The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday led 17 local government chairmen, many councilors, and several top members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This move has given the APC a clear lead in the state assembly, now holding 18 out of 24 seats.
The defection happened as part of efforts to align with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s plans to speed up development across Edo.
The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, received the defectors on behalf of the party’s National Chairman, promising them equal treatment and a chance to contribute to the party’s progress.
Among the defectors were well-known figures like Sunny Ifada, Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba.
Governor Okpebholo welcomed the new members warmly and expressed confidence that Edo State is set for faster growth, thanks to strong support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He pointed to ongoing projects in roads, flyovers, education, youth jobs, and farming as evidence of the government’s push to improve living conditions and strengthen the economy.
The governor also made it clear that Edo would take a front seat in ensuring Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, saying the state has the right network and energy to lead the South-South region’s backing for the president.
Senator Bashiru praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, especially his focus on paying salaries on time and pushing forward projects like the Ekpoma roads.
He described the wave of defections as proof of rising trust in the APC-led administration.
Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole called the Speaker’s return to the APC a homecoming, noting that Agbebaku had been one of the original party builders in the state.
Oshiomhole said the governor’s achievements give hope for both Tinubu’s victory in 2027 and a second term for Okpebholo in 2028.
