Edo State witnessed a major political shake-up on Tuesday as the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside 17 Local Government Chairmen, several councilors, and other notable PDP stakeholders.
The Speaker cited the need to align with the developmental vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the driving force behind the mass defection. He was joined by prominent political figures including Hon. Sunny Ifada, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Hon. Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, described the event as a defining moment in the consolidation of APC’s dominance in Edo State. He assured the new entrants of equal opportunities within the party.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, while welcoming the defectors, reaffirmed his commitment to accelerated development across Edo. “We are investing massively in infrastructure, education, youth employment, and agriculture. With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Edo is on the path of transformation,” the governor declared.
He also pledged Edo State’s leading role in President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027, noting the state’s growing political momentum and structural advantage.
Also speaking, former Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described the Speaker’s return to the APC as a homecoming, adding that with 18 out of 24 seats, the APC now has the legislative strength to drive meaningful progress in the state.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the defection wave to Governor Okpebholo’s performance, while APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, labeled the PDP a “sinking ship.”
Speaker Agbebaku, in his remarks, highlighted the governor’s developmental projects in Owan West, including the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads, as signs of inclusive governance.
The defection marks a significant shift in Edo’s political landscape, boosting APC’s influence and setting the stage for upcoming electoral contests.
