Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), citing internal divisions within their former parties.
The defectors include three PDP lawmakers—Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon Constituency II), and Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South-East)—as well as Richard Edosa (Oredo West) from the Labour Party.
Announcing their defection yesterday, the lawmakers pledged their commitment to working with Governor Monday Okpebholo to advance the development of the state.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Edosa attributed their decision to deep-seated divisions within the PDP and Labour Party at all levels.
He emphasised their belief in unity and progress, which led them to align with the APC and Governor Okpebholo’s vision for a “rising Edo.”
He further declared their readiness to support Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for a prosperous Edo State.
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The Minority Leader of the EDHA, Eric Allison Okaka (APC, Owan East), commended the defectors for their decision, attributing it to the governor’s performance within his first 100 days in office.
He noted that their move had shifted the Assembly’s power balance in favour of the APC. Receiving the defectors at the party secretariat in Ikpopkan GRA, Edo APC Chairman Jaret Tenebe described their decision as a strong endorsement of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
He highlighted the governor’s commitment to economic prosperity, social harmony, and security as key factors that attracted the lawmakers to the APC.
He assured Governor Okpebholo and President Tinubu of the APC’s commitment to mobilizing two million voters ahead of the 2027 general elections to secure victory for the party at all levels.
In a controversial remark, Tenebe accused the PDP of orchestrating insecurity in Edo State, alleging that its members were involved in sponsoring criminal activities, including kidnappings.
He called on security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible, ensuring that peace and security prevail in Edo State.
