Mass Defection Rocks Edo Politics as Speaker, Others Join APC

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

In a significant development, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Blessing Agbebaku, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside two other lawmakers.

This mass defection gives the APC a commanding majority in the Assembly, with 18 members now belonging to the party, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is left with six.

The defection rally, which also aimed to drum support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, saw several notable figures join the APC, including five former lawmakers, a PDP aspirant for the 2020 governorship election, and 18 local government chairmen and councilors from 192 wards.

APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashir, warmly welcomed the defectors, attributing their move to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s exemplary governance and leadership style. He expressed confidence that the party’s re-election bid would be a smooth sail with the new developments.

Governor Okpebholo urged the defectors to actively support President Tinubu’s re-election, highlighting the president’s commitment to financial transparency and its positive impact on state development projects.

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and other party leaders exuded confidence in the APC’s prospects, predicting a sweeping victory in upcoming state elections.

Speaker Agbebaku, speaking on behalf of the defectors, cited the governor’s developmental strides as the driving force behind their decision to join the APC.

This development marks a significant shift in Edo State’s political landscape, with the APC poised to consolidate its gains in the state.