BENIN CITY – The last remaining federal lawmaker from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Hon. Marcus Onobun, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant consolidation of political power for Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
Receiving Onobun at a brief ceremony, Governor Okpebholo described the development as “the final nail in the coffin” of the PDP in Edo, declaring that the ruling party now enjoys full dominance across the state.
“We’re not lobbying anyone to join the APC. They are coming because they see results. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Tinubu,” he said.
The governor took aim at opposition figures who rely on social media influence, warning that governance must be measured by performance. He dismissed PDP’s relevance in the state and criticised a recent visit by Labour Party’s Peter Obi, accusing him of triggering unrest.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. After he left, three people were killed. Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” he declared.
Okpebholo also accused unnamed opposition leaders of past corruption, mismanagement, and complicity in national insecurity, stating that their attempts to form new political platforms would fail.
Despite his firm rhetoric, the governor welcomed Onobun and his supporters, urging them to support his development drive. He called for transparency in project delivery and accountability from contractors.
APC’s Acting Deputy State Chairman, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the defection strengthens the party’s base ahead of next month’s senatorial rerun. He predicted further PDP defections before the 2027 elections.
Onobun, who represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, described his return as both strategic and ideological.
“I championed the Esan governorship agenda. Now that we have an Esan governor who is performing, I cannot remain in opposition. I’m back home to support our people,” he said.
He was joined by former APC members who previously defected with him to the PDP, a move observers see as a major realignment of political forces in Edo State.
