Edo Assembly Speaker, 2 other lawmakers defect to APC as defection trend continues

• Edo Assembly Speaker Agbebaku and two lawmakers dump PDP for APC, giving APC an 18-member majority
• Governor Okpebholo and party leaders celebrate mass defections as proof of development-focused leadership
• Former PDP officials and 17 councillors also join APC, signalling a significant political shift in Edo State

In a major political shake-up in Edo State, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside two fellow lawmakers.

The legislators—Sunny Ifada representing Esan Central Constituency and Yekini Idaiye of Akoko Edo I—formally joined the APC on Tuesday, significantly altering the power dynamics within the Assembly. With this latest development, the APC now commands 18 out of 24 seats, consolidating its control over the legislative arm.

Their defection was not an isolated event. It was accompanied by a wave of resignations from the PDP across local government councils. Seventeen councillors also moved to the APC, alongside key former party stalwarts such as ex-Deputy Speaker Roland Asoro, former Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba, and a former PDP State Secretary, Gabriel Oloruntoba.

Receiving the defectors at a welcome event, the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, commended their decision and assured them of equal standing within the party. Representing APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Bashiru described the mass defection as a “watershed moment” in Edo’s political landscape.

Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, lauded the influx of new members and reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive development. He cited ongoing infrastructure projects—such as road construction in Ekpoma—as evidence of the administration’s progress. According to the governor, the APC-led government is investing in education, agriculture, and job creation to drive economic growth and food security.

“Our vision is backed by President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering support for Edo,” he said. “With this momentum, we’re poised to make Edo a cornerstone of national development.”

Former governor and senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, praised Speaker Agbebaku’s return to the APC, calling it a homecoming for one of the party’s original architects. He expressed confidence that the APC’s legislative majority would accelerate governance and reform.

“This wave of defections is not just political; it reflects the people’s belief in results and responsible leadership,” Oshiomhole stated, adding that the governor's achievements would likely secure a second term and bolster Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027.

APC State Chair, Jarrett Tenebe, also pointed to the visible impact of development efforts under Governor Okpebholo as the key driver of the defections, while State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, declared that the PDP in Edo had “lost steam,” calling the APC the dominant political force in the state.

Speaker Agbebaku affirmed his commitment to supporting the governor and president. “From education to infrastructure, the governor’s impact is clear.” “This is about moving Edo forward.”

Delta Assembly speaker, lawmakers join Oborevwori, Okowa in moving to APC

Earlier, TheRadar reported that following the recent political allegiance shift of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, 22 members of the Delta State House of Assembly, including the Speaker, Right Honourable Emomotimi Guwor, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The mass defection, which took place during plenary at the Assembly Complex in Asaba on Tuesday, May 6, continues the political realignment in the state's political landscape.