Four Edo Lawmakers dump opposition, join APC

Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly, originally elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmakers, Hon. Donald Okugbe (PDP, Akoko-Edo Constituency II), Hon. Bright Iyamu (LP, Orhionmwon Constituency II), Hon. Richard Edosa (PDP, Oredo West), and Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (PDP, Esan South East)—pledged their allegiance to the ruling party, citing internal crises in their former parties as a key reason for their decision.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Richard Edosa emphasized that divisions within the PDP, from the national level down to the grassroots, made their departure inevitable.

“The party that gave us the platform to win also created the atmosphere that made us leave. We believe in unity and progress, and that is what the APC represents,” he stated.

The lawmakers also expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, pledging their commitment to working with his administration to drive development in Edo State.

“We believe in the governor’s vision for Edo State, as well as the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. That is why we have decided to join forces with the APC to move Edo forward,” Edosa added.

With their defection, the APC now holds a majority in the state assembly, a shift acknowledged by Minority Leader Hon. Eric Okaka (APC, Owan East), who hailed the move as a victory for the party.

“Before now, we were in the minority, but with this defection, we are now the majority in the House. We will work closely with the governor to ensure Edo State experiences rapid development for the benefit of our people,” Okaka said.

The Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, officially welcomed the lawmakers at the party secretariat, presenting them with the party’s symbol and assuring them of fair treatment within the APC.

“These lawmakers bring a wealth of experience and have recognized that the APC is the party of progress. They have seen the clarity of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Edo people,” Tenebe remarked.