The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Tuesday welcomed a significant wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.
Agbebaku, along with two other PDP lawmakers—Sunny Ifada (Esan Central) and Yekini Idaiye (Akoko Edo I)—formally joined the APC, increasing the party’s representation in the 24-member House to 18 seats, while the PDP now holds six.
The defection ceremony, held in Benin City, also included prominent PDP figures such as former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba, and councillors from 17 local government areas.
Receiving the new members on behalf of Dr. Ganduje, APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Bashiru described the development as a milestone in the party’s consolidation efforts in Edo.
He assured the defectors of equal treatment and emphasized that their decision reflected growing trust in APC leadership.
Bashiru also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for his ongoing infrastructure projects, particularly road construction in Ekpoma, describing the defections as a vote of confidence in his administration.
Governor Okpebholo credited President Bola Tinubu for supporting Edo’s development across key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
He pledged Edo’s full backing for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, declaring the state ready to lead the South-South in rallying support for the president.
Former governor and APC leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, called Speaker Agbebaku’s return to APC a “homecoming,” noting his role in the party’s early days.
He expressed optimism that the governor’s performance would secure a second term in 2028 and strengthen the APC’s position in the 2027 elections.
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Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe and the party’s State Woman Leader Betty Okoebor said the mass defection was a direct result of Governor Okpebholo’s visible achievements. Okoebor labeled the PDP a “sinking ship,” affirming APC’s dominance in the state.
Speaker Agbebaku, citing the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and major roads in Owan West, praised the governor’s inclusive approach and vowed to support both the state and federal governments in advancing Edo’s development.
