BY RICHARD EWEKA
In a significant political development, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, led a major defection on Tuesday, moving 17 Local Government Chairmen, numerous councilors, and several high-profile members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, according to Agbebaku, is aimed at aligning with Governor Monday Okpebholo to fast-track the state’s development and consolidate the progress made under the current administration.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, welcomed them with assurances of equal opportunities within the party.
He described the defection as a key milestone in APC’s consolidation efforts in Edo State, underscoring its importance in the broader political landscape.
Among those who defected with the Speaker are notable 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, further strengthened the APC’s presence in the state.
Governor Okpebholo, in his address, expressed optimism about the state’s future, attributing Edo’s unprecedented development to the strong partnership between the state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” he stated.
He also pledged to lead the South-South in supporting President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, highlighting the party’s growing momentum in the region.
Senator Bashiru, while commending Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, particularly his efforts in infrastructure development, noted that the recent wave of defections signals a shift in the political tides of the state.
“This defection reflects the growing confidence in the APC-led administration,” he affirmed.
Former Edo State Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, hailed Agbebaku’s return to the APC as a homecoming, noting that the Speaker had been an instrumental figure in the party’s formation.
“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,” Oshiomhole remarked, expressing confidence that the governor’s success would earn him a second term in 2028.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to Governor Okpebholo’s visible development efforts, emphasizing that the governor’s performance was driving others back to the party.
In his speech, Speaker Agbebaku praised the governor for his commitment to inclusive governance, highlighting ongoing projects like the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and major road projects in Owan West Local Government Area, his immediate constituency.
“We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” Agbebaku declared.
APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, took a swipe at the PDP, describing it as a “sinking ship,” while reiterating that the APC has become the dominant political force in the state.
Additionally, Lucky Ohimia, Youth Coordinator for Asiwaju 2027, expressed his gratitude to the governor for fostering peace and development, pledging to mobilize support for the APC in the forthcoming elections.
