APC Gains Majority in Edo State Assembly
By Osehobo Ofure, Benin City
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has become the majority party in the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) following the defection of four lawmakers on Wednesday—three from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one from the Labour Party—citing internal divisions within their former parties.
The three lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are: Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon Constituency II), and Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South-East), while Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West) was from the Labour Party (LP).
Receiving the defectors at the State party secretariat, Acting APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, described their decision as a strong endorsement of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.
He highlighted the governor’s commitment to economic prosperity, social harmony, and security as key factors that attracted the decampees.
“The defection of these lawmakers is a clear indication that Governor Okpebholo is delivering on his promises. They recognised that the APC provides a platform for progress and good governance, and we are proud to welcome them,” Tenebe said.
He added that the movement of the lawmakers to the APC was not just about increasing party numbers but about strengthening collective resolve and uniting capable individuals to drive meaningful change.
“As a party, we are confident that our new members will play a significant role in the growth and development of Edo State,” he affirmed.
Tenebe also assured Governor Okpebholo and President Bola Tinubu that the Edo APC is committed to mobilising two million voters ahead of the 2027 general elections to secure victory for the party at all levels.
The APC chairman who accused the PDP of orchestrating insecurity in the state, alleged that its members were sponsors of the criminal activities, including kidnappings.
He called on security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible.
“The same PDP thugs who killed a policeman at the Benin airport before the last governorship election were behind the current wave of criminal activities.
“The firearms procured for them by the past administration are still in circulation, and they are using them to make Edo ungovernable,” Tenebe alleged.
Tenebe also urged law enforcement agencies to investigate and bring those responsible to justice, ensuring that peace and security prevail in Edo State.
Minority Leader of the Assembly Hon. Eric Allison Okaka (APC, Owan East), who commended the defectors for their decision, noted that their defection had shifted the power balance in favour of the APC.
“Before now, we were in the minority, but with this defection, we now hold the majority in the House. This strengthens our ability to work with the governor in ensuring Edo State progresses for the benefit of its people,” Okaka stated.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Hon. Edosa stated that deep-seated divisions within both the PDP and the Labour Party, spanning from the national to the local level, left them with no choice but to seek a new political direction.
“We need to let the world know that both the PDP and the Labour Party are plagued by divisions at all levels. The very parties that gave us the platform to win elections have also created an environment that made it necessary for us to leave,” he said.
