In a significant political shift ahead of the 2024 Edo governorship election, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and two other lawmakers have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers—Sunny Ifada representing Esan Central Constituency and Yekini Idaiye of Akoko Edo 1—joined Agbebaku in announcing their defection on Tuesday. With this move, the APC now commands a majority in the Edo Assembly with 18 out of 24 seats, while the PDP is reduced to just six members.

The defection wave also swept across grassroots political structures, with councillors from 17 local government areas, former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba all pitching their tent with the APC.

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Senator Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary, received the defectors on behalf of the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, assuring them of equal opportunities and full integration into the APC. He described the defections as a critical milestone in the party’s consolidation efforts in Edo State.

In his remarks, Ganduje praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for the state’s ongoing infrastructural renewal, especially road projects in Ekpoma. He noted that the surge in defections is a strong indicator of growing public confidence in the APC’s leadership and developmental agenda.

Governor Okpebholo welcomed the defectors, declaring that Edo is on a trajectory of accelerated development, backed by the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, and youth employment as evidence of APC’s commitment to the people.

He said, “Edo is witnessing unprecedented transformation because we have a president who believes in our vision. We are fully aligned with President Tinubu’s agenda and will deliver Edo for him in 2027.”

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State, hailed the defection of Speaker Agbebaku, describing him as an original pillar of the APC in the state. Oshiomhole emphasized that the party’s legislative strength will drive impactful governance and expressed optimism for Okpebholo’s re-election bid in 2028.

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Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, and APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, both stated that the mass exodus from the PDP is a clear sign of APC’s growing dominance and the collapse of the opposition in the state.

Speaker Agbebaku reaffirmed his support for Governor Okpebholo and President Tinubu, citing completed projects like Uhonmora Secondary School and road construction in Owan West Local Government Area as key reasons for his switch.

“We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” Agbebaku declared.

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