By Editor
The Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chief Blessing Sheriff Agbebaku, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside two other lawmakers—Prince Yekini Idaiye, representing Akoko-Edo I, and Mr. Fada Eigberomonlen, representing Esan Central.
Announcing their defection at a formal event, the Speaker cited the impressive performance and leadership style of Governor Monday Okpebholo as a major factor influencing their decision. According to him, the move to the APC will enable them to collaborate more effectively with the Governor Okpebholo’s led administration to drive infrastructural development and accelerate growth across their various constituencies.
Supporting the Speaker’s remarks, Hon. Idaiye stated that irreconcilable differences within the PDP at both the State and the National levels also influenced his decision to join a more stable and progressive political platform. He emphasized that the interests of his constituents remain his top priority, and aligning with the APC would help deliver more democratic dividends to them.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashir, commended their decision and attributed it to the growing popularity of Governor Okpebholo’s governance. He expressed optimism that with the APC now holding a firm majority in the House—18 out of 24 seats—the party is well-positioned to secure victory in future elections, including the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Okpebholo, while welcoming the new members, applauded President Tinubu’s transparent handling of national resources, which he said has empowered State Governments to pursue impactful developmental projects. He urged the new defectors to fully support the President’s political vision and strengthen the APC’s structure in Edo State.
Former Governor, Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole and other APC leaders present at the event echoed similar sentiments, expressing confidence in the party’s readiness to dominate future elections across the state.
With this defection, the APC now holds a commanding majority in the Edo State House of Assembly, further solidifying its influence in the state’s political landscape.