The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, led two other members of the assembly, Hon. Sunday fada Eigbiremonlen, and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje to the All Progress Congress (APC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Yekini was last month appointed Minor Whip when the APC obtained the Majority status in the House and with the trio’s defection, APC now has 18 members in the House, while PDP has six.
Receiving the decampees, the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, represented by Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the party’s National Secretary, assured them of equal opportunities within the ruling party.
He described the defection as milestone for the party’s consolidation in Edo state
Basiru said the wave of defection signifies a shift in political tides and reflects growing confidence in the APC-led administration
While welcoming the decampees, Governor Monday Okpebholo said the state is on a path to accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said Edo would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, noting, “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,”.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole said the decampees are only returning home, as they were “deceived by former governor Godwin Obaseki, to leave the APC”.
“This defection is a testament to the governor’s impressive performance. Out of 24 Assembly members, we have 18.”
He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.
Earlier, the Speaker attributed his dumping of the PDP to the developmental strides of the governor, especially in his constituency. Daily Trust