The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has received a wave of new members into the party following a major defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. Among those who switched allegiance is the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, marking a significant political shift ahead of the upcoming elections.
Joining Agbebaku in the defection were two other PDP lawmakers—Sunny Ifada, representing Esan Central Constituency, and Yekini Idaiye of Akoko Edo I Constituency. Their move has tilted the balance in the 24-member House in favor of the APC, which now holds 18 seats. The PDP, previously dominant, has been reduced to just six seats in the chamber.
The defection ceremony was held in Benin City and witnessed the presence of top APC figures. Representing Ganduje at the event, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, welcomed the new members and described the occasion as a major step in the party’s efforts to strengthen its hold in Edo State. He noted that the decision of these leaders to join the APC was a sign of growing trust in the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Bashiru also pointed to key infrastructure projects, especially road construction in Ekpoma, as evidence of the governor’s commitment to development. “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,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo, who was present at the event, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, crediting him for the progress seen across the state. “From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” he said.
The governor also said that Edo State would lead the campaign for Tinubu’s re-election in the South-South region, calling on party members to rally behind the president’s vision.
Former Edo governor and APC stalwart, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, described Agbebaku’s return as a “homecoming,” noting that he was one of the party’s original founders in the state. Oshiomhole noted that with 18 of the 24 Assembly seats now in APC’s control, the party was in a stronger position to drive legislative support for development efforts.
He expressed confidence that Okpebholo’s track record would earn him another term in 2028 and help deliver a strong showing for APC in the 2027 national elections.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, also noted that the shift was driven by visible achievements in the state. APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship” that could no longer meet the people’s expectations.
Speaker Agbebaku said his decision to join the APC was influenced by the inclusive nature of governance under Governor Okpebholo. He specifically mentioned the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West as examples of projects that touched local communities. “We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he said.
