Edo Assembly Speaker, Others Defect to APC in Major Political Shakeup

In a dramatic political development, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, alongside two other lawmakers, formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday. The lawmakers who joined Agbebaku in the move include Sunny Ifada, representing Esan Central Constituency, and Yekini Idaiye of Akoko Edo 1 Constituency.

With these defections, the APC now holds a commanding majority in the 24-member Assembly, boasting 18 members compared to the PDP’s six. The defections extend beyond the legislature, as several councillors from 17 local government areas, former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba also abandoned the PDP for the APC, marking a significant realignment in Edo’s political landscape.

APC Leaders Hail Defections as Milestone for Party Consolidation

Reacting to the wave of defections, key APC leaders expressed optimism and confidence in the party’s growing influence in Edo State. Senator Ajibola Bashiru assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the APC, emphasizing that their decision was a pivotal moment in consolidating the party’s strength ahead of future elections.

“Their defection is not just symbolic; it’s a strategic boost for our party’s grassroots penetration,” Bashiru noted. Former Edo governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, welcomed Agbebaku’s return, describing him as “one of the original builders of the APC in Edo.” Oshiomhole stated that with 18 Assembly members now under the APC, the party is well-positioned to provide legislative support for the governor’s agenda and deliver solidly for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Governor Okpebholo Promises Accelerated Development, Political Leadership

Welcoming the defectors, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to rapid infrastructural and economic development. He highlighted the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma and other parts of the state as evidence of an administration focused on improving the lives of citizens.

“Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a president who believes in our people,” Okpebholo declared. “From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability.” He further pledged 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.

Defectors Cite Inclusive Governance, Developmental Strides

Speaking on their reasons for defecting, Speaker Agbebaku and other new APC members praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and developmental strides across the state. Agbebaku pointed to the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West Local Government Area as signs of inclusive governance that prioritizes rural and urban communities alike.

“We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” Agbebaku stated. His sentiments were echoed by other defectors, who noted that the APC under Governor Okpebholo had demonstrated a commitment to practical development, contrasting sharply with their frustrations under the PDP’s leadership. APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as “a sinking ship,” asserting that the mass defection was proof of APC’s new dominance in Edo’s political space.

Analysts See Shift in Edo State Political Tide Ahead of 2027 Elections

Political analysts have described the defections as a watershed moment signaling a shift in Edo’s political tide. With the APC now controlling a supermajority in the Assembly and gaining high-profile defectors from the PDP, observers suggest the PDP may face an uphill battle in future electoral contests. Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to Governor Okpebholo’s visible development strides and effective leadership.

“The people can see the difference. They want to align with a government that is delivering on its promises,” Tenebe stated. Meanwhile, Oshiomhole expressed confidence that the governor’s achievements would secure him a second term in 2028, further cementing APC’s influence in the state. As Edo’s political realignment unfolds, the state appears poised for an intense contest as the 2027 general elections approach, with the APC consolidating its base and the PDP grappling with internal fractures.