The All Progressives Congress now has more seats in the Edo State House of Assembly as the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has defected to the party from the Peoples Democratic Party along with others.
With the defection of Speaker Agbebaku to the APC on Tuesday, the party now has 18 seats in the Assembly out of the available 24.
The Speaker defected with 17 local government chairmen, numerous councillors, and several notable members of the PDP to the APC.
He said the move was aimed at aligning with Governor Monday Okpebholo to fast-track development across the State.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, assured them of equal opportunities in the APC, emphasising the significance of their defection as a milestone for the party’s consolidation in Edo State.
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Among those who also decamped with the Speaker were Hon. Sunny Ifada, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba.
Okpebholo welcomed the new entrants into the APC fold, promising that the state is on a path to accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Tinubu.
He said: “Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a President who believes in our people.
“From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability.”
Okpebholo further declared that Edo State would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
He said: “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.”
Senator Bashiru commended Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, particularly for ensuring regular salary payments and infrastructural renewal such as the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma.
He noted that the wave of defections signifies a shift in political tides and reflects growing confidence in the APC-led administration.
Former Edo State Governor and representative of Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, hailed the Speaker’s return to the APC as a homecoming, describing Agbebaku as one of the original builders of the party in the state.
Oshiomhole said: “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.”
He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.
Edo State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo.
“The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party,” Tenebe said.
Speaker Agbebaku, in his remarks, praised the governor’s developmental focus, citing the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West LGA as signs of inclusive governance.
“We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he declared.
APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” stating that the mass defection proves that APC is now the dominant force in the state.
Lucky Ohimia, Youth Coordinator of Asiwaju 2027, thanked the governor for fostering peace and development, pledging to mobilise support for the APC in the coming elections.
