17 Acting Edo State LG Chairmen Defect from PDP to APC Amid Political Turmoil

Seventeen out of the 18 acting local government chairmen in Edo State have formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal party crises and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s developmental agenda as their motivation.

These acting chairmen, who were originally legislative leaders, assumed their roles after the impeachment of elected local government chairmen and their deputies over alleged insubordination to the governor. The defection marks a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics and trajectory of Edo State

Governor Okpebholo Welcomes Defectors, Criticizes PDP Administration

At a ceremony held at the Edo state Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo warmly received the defecting chairmen, commending them for their “courage and political foresight” in joining the ruling APC. He asserted that the PDP-led administration under his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, was characterized by “insecurity, economic mismanagement, and retrogressive policies.”

Governor Okpebholo highlighted the reforms and infrastructural projects undertaken by his administration within four months in office, claiming they had already begun to transform Edo State. He also assured the defectors of his commitment to inclusive governance, urging them to collaborate with existing APC members to drive further development.

“We inherited an Edo state riddled with insecurity, corruption, and financial mismanagement,” Okpebholo stated. “But in just a few months, we have set Edo State on a new path of progress. This is why true patriots are joining our movement to rescue the state.”

APC Leadership Promises Fair Treatment for New Members

Lawrence Okah, the APC state secretary, received the defectors on behalf of the party’s chairman, Jarret Tenebe, emphasizing that their decision reflected growing confidence in the APC’s governance model. Okah urged them to integrate seamlessly into the party, assuring them of equal opportunities within the APC.

“The APC is a party that values all its members equally,” Okah stated. “Your decision to join us today shows that you believe in the transformative leadership of Governor Okpebholo. We welcome you wholeheartedly and encourage you to work together with other party members for the development of Edo State.”

Kelvin Iyere, acting chairman of Esan Central LGA and spokesperson for the defectors, expressed gratitude to the APC for accepting them. He revealed that their decision stemmed from dissatisfaction with the PDP’s internal crisis and lack of direction, adding that Governor Okpebholo’s governance style inspired their move.

PDP Alleges Financial Inducement, Condemns Defections

The Edo State chapter of the PDP has strongly condemned the defections, alleging that Governor Okpebholo offered financial incentives to lure the chairmen into the APC. According to PDP officials, each defector reportedly received N2 million to switch allegiance, a claim the APC has denied.

A PDP spokesperson criticized the move, accusing the governor of prioritizing political maneuvering over pressing issues such as security, healthcare, and education.

“It is unfortunate that instead of addressing the suffering of Edo people, the governor is using state resources to buy political support,” the PDP’s statement read. “This mass defection is not based on principles but on financial inducement.”

Despite the allegations, the defectors insist that their decision was voluntary and driven by their desire to align with a government they believe is committed to Edo state’s progress.

Political Implications of Mass defections from PDP in Edo State

The wave of defections significantly strengthens the APC’s position as incumbent political party in Edo State . With 17 out of 18 local government leaders now under the APC umbrella, Governor Okpebholo’s influence at the grassroots level has been bolstered, potentially giving his party a strategic advantage.

The defections also reflect deeper divisions within the PDP, which has been struggling with internal crises and defections across different levels. Observers note that the party’s ability to regain stability and becomes viable opposition in the affairs of Edo State democratic government is gradually becomes elusive

Meanwhile, the only remaining PDP-aligned local government chairman, Tom Obaseki of Oredo LGA, continues to resist pressure to defect, making him a key figure in the opposition’s efforts to maintain some control in Edo State’s political space.

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