The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku and two other members on Tuesday decamped to the All Progressives Congress from the Peoples Democratic Party.
The two other members are Sunny Ifada (Esan Central Constituency) and Yekini Idaiye (Akoko Edo 1 Constituency).
The APC now has 18 members while the PDP has six members
Others who defected include councillors from 17 local government councils, former deputy speaker, Roland Asoro; former House Majority Leader, Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba, among others.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, assured them of equal opportunities within the APC, emphasising the significance of their defection as a milestone for the party’s consolidation in Edo.
Ganduje commended Governor Okpebholo for infrastructural renewal, such as the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma.
He also noted that the wave of defections signifies a shift in political tides and reflects growing confidence in the APC-led administration.
While welcoming the new entrants into the APC fold, Okpebholo promised that the State is on a path to accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Tinubu.
He said, “Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a president who believes in our people. From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability.”
He further declared that Edo would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“We will lead the South-South in supporting Mr. President. We have the structure and the momentum, and we will launch this mission from Edo State,” he affirmed.
Former Edo state governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, hailed the Speaker’s return to APC, describing Agbebaku as one of the original builders of the party in the state.
Oshiomhole said, “This defection is a testament to the governor’s impressive performance. Out of 24 Assembly members, APC now holds 18 seats, providing the needed legislative support to move the state forward.”
He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo.
In his remarks, Agbebaku praised the governor’s developmental strides, citing the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West LGA as signs of inclusive governance.
He added, “We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he stated.
APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” stating that the mass defection proves that APC is now the dominant force in the state.
