In a significant political development in Edo State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, along with two other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
The lawmakers—Sunny Ifada from Esan Central and Yekini Idaiye representing Akoko Edo I—announced their defection at a gathering in Benin City.
Their switch increases APC’s representation in the 24-seat Assembly to 18, leaving the PDP with six.
The event also marked the defection of several influential PDP figures and grassroots leaders. Among them were councillors from 17 local councils, former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, ex-Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and Gabriel Oloruntoba, a former state secretary of the PDP.
Speaking on behalf of APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, welcomed the new members, calling the occasion a major step in consolidating APC’s presence in Edo.
He assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party and said their decision showed growing faith in APC leadership at both state and national levels.
Bashiru praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for delivering impactful projects, especially road construction efforts in Ekpoma.
He described the wave of defections as evidence that the public appreciates the progress being made under the APC government.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo attributed Edo’s development progress to the backing of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, youth programs, and agriculture as part of efforts to ensure food security and economic growth.
Okpebholo also pledged Edo’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the state would spearhead support for the president in the South-South region.
“We are ready to lead from Edo and deliver strong backing for Mr. President,” he said.
Former Edo Governor and APC leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, welcomed Agbebaku’s return to the party, referring to it as a homecoming given his early role in the APC’s formation in the state.
Oshiomhole expressed confidence that with APC now controlling the House majority, the government would have the legislative support needed to advance its agenda.
He predicted the governor’s achievements would secure him a second term in 2028 and position APC for victory in the next general elections.
Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe linked the defections to visible developments across the state under Okpebholo’s leadership.
The party’s State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, also weighed in, saying the growing number of defectors proved that the PDP was losing ground.
Speaker Agbebaku cited several projects in Owan West, including the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and major road upgrades, as examples of the governor’s inclusive approach.
He emphasized his commitment to helping the APC and President Tinubu move the state forward.
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