Four members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) platforms were elected to the Edo State House of Assembly, but they have since defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers who are defecting are Hon. Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South East—PDP), Hon. Richard Edosa (Oredo West—PDP), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon Constituency II—LP), and Hon. Donald Okugbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II—PDP).
They promised to support the governor’s administration, led by Senator Monday Okpebholo, in advancing the state’s development. Hon. Richard Edosa, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, stated that the main cause of their choice was internal strife inside their former party.
“There are divisions in the PDP from the national level down to the state, local government, and ward levels. The party that gave us the platform to win the election also created the atmosphere that made us leave. We believe in unity and progress, and that is what the APC represents.”
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Okpebholo, stating:
“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. We promise to work together with the governor and the party to build a new Edo State.”
“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.”
The Chairman of APC in Edo State, Emperor Jaret Tenebe, officially accepted the lawmakers at the party secretariat, giving them the party’s symbol. He assured them of equal treatment within the party and hailed their defection as a strong endorsement of Governor Okpebholo’s administration.
“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.”
He reaffirmed the party’s dedication to social peace, education, economic development, and state security.
The decision by the defectors is anticipated to increase Governor Okpebholo’s legislative support and have an impact on Edo State’s future political climate, as the APC now holds a majority in the state assembly.
