Mass Exodus: Edo Speaker, lawmakers, 17 LG chairmen dump PDP for APC

By Jethro Ibileke

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday led four fellow lawmakers in defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers—Sunny Ifada, Yekini Idiaye, Roland Asoro, and Nosa Nosayaba—were all elected on the PDP platform.

In a sweeping political shift, 17 local government chairmen, numerous councillors, and other party faithful also joined the APC.

Agbebaku said the move was in alignment with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s agenda to fast-track development across the state.

He cited the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West Local Government Area as evidence of inclusive governance under the APC.

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

Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, welcomed them, assuring equal opportunities and full integration within the party. He described the mass defection as a major boost to APC’s consolidation efforts in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, welcomed the new members and affirmed that Edo is on a trajectory of accelerated growth.

“Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a president who believes in our people. From roads and flyovers to education, youth empowerment, and agriculture, we are making massive investments to ensure food security and economic stability,” he said.

Former Governor of the state and APC chieftain, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, described Agbebaku’s return as a homecoming, noting that he was one of the founding figures of the APC in Edo.

“This defection is a testament to the Governor’s impressive performance. Out of the 24 members of the House of Assembly, APC now holds 18 seats—providing the needed legislative backing to drive progress,” Oshiomhole said.

He expressed confidence that Governor Okpebholo’s track record would secure him a second term in 2028, and that Edo would deliver solidly for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Acting State APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the surge of defections to visible progress under Okpebholo’s leadership.

“The Governor’s performance speaks for itself, and it is drawing others back to the party,” he said.