In a dramatic realignment that could reshape Edo State’s political terrain ahead of 2027, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, on Tuesday led a high-profile defection of 17 Local Government Chairmen, several councillors, and key figures of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, which many analysts see as both a strategic consolidation and a symbolic victory for the APC, signals a growing momentum for the party ahead of the next electoral cycle. According to Owaen Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Speaker Agbebaku described the defection as a deliberate alignment with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration to accelerate development across the state.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, framed the development as a watershed moment. He assured the new entrants of equal opportunities, underscoring the defection as pivotal to strengthening APC’s foothold in Edo.
Notable among the defectors are Hon. Sunny Ifada, Hon. Yekini Idiaye, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Roland Asoro, former House Majority Leader Hon. Nosa Nosayaba, and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba — a cohort that deepens APC’s political muscle in the state legislature and at grassroots level.
Governor Okpebholo, in welcoming the new entrants, projected optimism that Edo State is poised for accelerated growth, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support as a catalyst for recent infrastructure and policy advancements. “From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability,” the governor stated, positioning Edo as a potential rallying point for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
“This is not just a defection; it is the reconstitution of a political force,” Okpebholo emphasized, vowing that Edo would spearhead South-South support for the president. His confidence is bolstered by APC’s growing dominance in the state assembly — now holding 18 of 24 seats — which promises a firmer legislative backing for his policies.
Senator Bashiru, standing in for Ganduje, applauded Okpebholo’s leadership, citing consistent salary payments and ongoing infrastructure projects like the Ekpoma road renewal as tangible evidence of good governance. He argued that the influx of defectors is less about partisan maneuvering and more a reflection of rising public confidence in the APC administration.
Former Edo Governor and current Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, echoed similar sentiments. Describing Agbebaku’s return as a “homecoming,” he portrayed the Speaker as one of the original architects of APC in Edo. “This defection is a testament to the governor’s impressive performance,” Oshiomhole asserted, expressing confidence that Okpebholo’s achievements could pave the way for both a second term in 2028 and a strong showing for Tinubu in 2027.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, was unambiguous in his assessment: “The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party.” This narrative of performance-driven defection was echoed by Speaker Agbebaku, who cited projects like Uhonmora Secondary School and road infrastructure in Owan West LGA as proof of inclusive governance.
Meanwhile, APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” arguing that the defection wave cements APC’s position as the dominant political force in Edo. Youth mobilizer Lucky Ohimia, coordinator of Asiwaju 2027, also weighed in, pledging continued grassroots support for APC, attributing it to the governor’s focus on peace and development.
Analysis
This mass defection represents more than just an erosion of PDP’s base; it is a strategic recalibration with long-term electoral implications. By consolidating local government leadership, legislative support, and grassroots mobilization under the APC banner, Governor Okpebholo is not only strengthening his governance apparatus but also positioning the party for dominance in 2027 and beyond.
The symbolic presence of political heavyweights like Oshiomhole — coupled with explicit references to President Tinubu’s re-election — suggests that Edo is being primed as a South-South stronghold for the APC. Whether this momentum will translate into enduring political stability and electoral success, however, remains to be tested as the 2027 political calendar draws closer.
