Ganduje welcomes Edo Speaker, other PDP defectors to APC

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Tuesday welcomed a major wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party  in Edo State, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.

Agbebaku, alongside two other PDP lawmakers—Sunny Ifada (Esan Central Constituency) and Yekini Idaiye (Akoko Edo I Constituency)—formally defected to the APC, boosting the party’s strength in the 24-member assembly to 18 seats, while the PDP now holds just six.

The defection event, which took place in Benin, also saw several PDP stalwarts and grassroots leaders cross over to the ruling party.

They included councillors from 17 local government areas, former Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader, Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba.

Receiving the defectors on behalf of Ganduje, the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, described the event as a “milestone in the party’s consolidation efforts” in Edo.

He assured the new members of equal treatment within the party, stressing that their defection reflected growing confidence in the APC-led government.

He also lauded Governor Monday Okpebholo’s performance in infrastructure development, especially ongoing road projects in Ekpoma.

This wave of defections is not just political realignment—it’s a validation of the governor’s achievements and a sign that Edo people want results,” Bashiru said.

Speaking at the event, Governor Okpebholo credited President Bola Tinubu’s support for the state’s “unprecedented” development trajectory.

“From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” he said.

He vowed that Edo would play a leading role in Tinubu’s re-election bid.

 “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,” Okpebholo declared.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state and APC chieftain, described Agbebaku’s defection as a “homecoming,” noting that the Speaker was among the founding members of the APC in the state.

“Out of 24 members, APC now holds 18 seats, providing the legislative backing needed to move the state forward,” Oshiomhole stated.

He expressed confidence that the governor’s performance would secure him a second term in 2028 and help deliver Edo for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the defection to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo, while APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, called the PDP a “sinking ship.”

“The mass defection proves that the APC has become the dominant political force in the state,” she said.

Speaker Agbebaku cited the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West Local Government Area as signs of inclusive governance under Okpebholo.

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