The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday spearheaded a mass defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a major shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Speaker was joined by 17 Local Government Chairmen, dozens of councilors, and several influential PDP stalwarts, in what analysts are already calling a “tsunami” threatening the very foundation of the PDP in the state.
Speaking on the move, Agbebaku emphasized that the decision to join the APC was driven by the need to align with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s progressive agenda to fast-track development across all corners of Edo. He praised the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment, highlighting ongoing projects in his constituency as evidence of inclusive governance.
Receiving the new entrants on behalf of APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, hailed the defection as a historic moment that strengthens the APC’s grip on Edo politics. Bashiru assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party and lauded Governor Okpebholo for his leadership, particularly for prompt salary payments and ongoing road projects in Ekpoma and beyond.
Among the defectors are political heavyweights such as Hon. Sunny Ifada, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Roland Asoro, former Majority Leader Hon. Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba. Their exit leaves the PDP reeling as APC now holds 18 out of 24 seats in the Edo Assembly—consolidating legislative dominance.
Governor Okpebholo welcomed the wave of new members with open arms, declaring that the defection signals a united front committed to delivering unprecedented development for Edo people. He also declared Edo’s readiness to lead the South-South region in securing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, pledging full support for his Renewed Hope agenda.
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“We are building roads, schools, and empowering youth across every local government. President Tinubu believes in Edo, and we are returning that trust with action. Come 2027, Edo will lead the charge for his re-election,” the Governor vowed.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Edo Governor and current lawmaker representing Edo North, described the Speaker’s return to the APC as a “homecoming,” praising Agbebaku as a founding pillar of the party. Oshiomhole emphasized that the realignment validates the APC’s leadership and predicted Governor Okpebholo will secure a second term in 2028 based on his performance.
APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe credited the defection wave to visible developmental strides under Okpebholo, while the party’s Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” asserting that the APC has emerged as the new political powerhouse in Edo. Youth leaders, including Asiwaju 2027 Coordinator Lucky Ohimia, pledged massive grassroots mobilization for the APC in upcoming elections.
With the political landscape rapidly shifting in favor of the APC, the 2027 election is already taking shape, and Edo appears poised to be the heartbeat of a new political era.
