Edo Speaker, 17 LG Chairmen Dump PDP for APC

Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with 17 local government chairmen, several councillors, and key party figures.

The Speaker said the move was to align with Governor Monday Okpebholo and accelerate development in the state.

Receiving the defectors on behalf of APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, described the defection as a major boost for the APC in Edo. He assured them of equal opportunities within the party.

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Among the defectors were former Deputy Speaker Yekini Idiaye, former Majority Leader Roland Asoro, former PDP Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba, and Sunny Ifada.

Governor Okpebholo welcomed the new members, saying their support would strengthen ongoing efforts in infrastructure, education, youth employment, and agriculture. He vowed that Edo would play a key role in President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole praised Agbebaku’s return, calling it a “homecoming” and evidence of APC’s rising momentum. He noted the party now holds 18 of 24 Assembly seats.

Edo APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe said the defections reflect confidence in the governor’s performance. Agbebaku cited recent projects in Owan West as proof of inclusive governance.