Edo assembly speaker, 17 LG heads leave PDP for APC

Blessing Agbebaku, speaker of the Edo state house of assembly, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement issued on Tuesday by Fred Itua, chief press secretary to Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, said Agbebaku joined the APC with 17 LG chairpersons, councilors, and other members of the PDP.

The decampees include Sunny Ifada, Yekini Idiaye, former deputy speaker; Roland Asoro, former house majority leader; Nosa Nosayaba, and Gabriel Oloruntoba, former PDP state secretary.

Ajibola Bashiru, the APC’s national secretary, received the defectors on behalf of Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s chairman.

Okpebholo commended the politicians for joining the APC, saying the state is on a path to accelerated growth with President Bola Tinubu’s full backing.

“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 said.

The governor said Edo would play a key role in ensuring Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“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,” he said.

Bashiru said the new members would be given equal opportunities to the old members.

He said the defections reflects growing confidence in the APC-led administration.

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, said the 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 said.

He said the governor’s achievements would “earn him a second term in 2028”.

Jarrett Tenebe, APC chairman in Edo, also attributed the defection to the governor’s achievement.

“The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party,” he said.

Agbebaku said he joined the APC to “support the governor and the president to move Edo forward”.