Four opposition lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further strengthening the APC’s presence in the legislature.
The defectors include Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon II), and Sunday Ojiezele (Esan Southeast) from the PDP, as well as Dr. Richard Edosa (Oredo West) of the LP.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, while welcoming the lawmakers, declared that the PDP is now “dead” in the state.
Following the 2023 general elections, PDP initially controlled 15 of the 24 Assembly seats, APC had eight, and LP secured one.
However, PDP lost a seat after Destiny Enabulele (Ovia Southwest) was removed by the tribunal and replaced with APC’s Sunday Aghedo.
With the latest defections, APC now holds 13 seats, while PDP is reduced to 11, leaving the Labour Party with none in the Edo State House of Assembly.
Tenebe, while welcoming the defectors in Benin, said: “Today (March 12) marks a significant moment for our party, the ruling APC, a testament to the strength of our vision and the resonance of our ideals. We are here to warmly welcome some members of the Edo State House of Assembly, who, after careful consideration and deep reflection, have chosen to join our ranks.
“The decision to defect from the divided and depleted PDP, and embrace our party, is a powerful endorsement of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to progress, unity, justice, economic prosperity and food security for rhe people.
“The honourable members, who bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognised that the APC offers the most-promising path forward for Edo State and our nation, Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the policies, the integrity of the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, and the unwavering dedication to make the lives of Edo people better.
“We understand that the decision to change political allegiances is not taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction, and a belief in a better future. We commend the honourable members for their bravery and for their willingness to stand with us, as we join hands with Governor Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and secure the lives of Edo people.”
Edo chairman of APC also stated that the defection was not a matter of increasing the party’s numbers, but about strengthening the collective resolve, and bringing together individuals who share a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference.
He said: “We value the contributions of each and every member, and we are confident that our new honourable members will play vital roles in our journey towards success.
“Some may question the motives behind these defections. Some may attempt to sow seeds of doubt and division. For the records, the Nigerian Constitution, as amended, is clear on the issue of defection.
“Section 68 (1) (g) of the Nigerian Constitution explains that an elected party member may defect, as long as it is as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored.
“The PDP in Edo State is dead. A solemn funeral service will be organised for the PDP in Edo State very soon. Based on the foregoing, the honourable members have not flouted any law, and their actions are in order. With the defections, APC now controls the majority in Edo State House of Assembly. The dead PDP, with no structure or offices in Edo State, is now in the minority.”
Tenebe also stated that the new members had seen the handiwork of Okpebholo in over 100 days in office, and were impressed.
He said: “No one compelled them (the four lawmakers) to join our fold. They made the decision based on the numerous good works that Governor Okpebholo has been performing across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“As a political party, we are going to restrategise ahead of the 2027 elections. We will mobilise over two million voters and ensure that we win all available seats in Edo State. We will also deliver a landslide victory for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu. In fact, Edo State will produce the highest number of votes for President Tinubu in the entire Southsouth.”
Edo chairman of APC also alleged that some opposition politicians were behind the insecurity in the state, while asking them to desist forthwith.
@The Nation