The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has characterized the alleged defection of the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, as a mere charade, labeling it a publicity tactic devised by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement issued by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, the party asserted that the APC’s declaration was devoid of credibility and represented nothing more than an effort to impress national stakeholders with what it termed ‘an illusion reminiscent of a David Copperfield act.’ Aziegbemi remarked that the events in Benin City on Tuesday were not newsworthy; rather, they were simply the formal acknowledgment of what had already become a public secret.
He accused Agbebaku of having effectively deserted the PDP, suggesting that his alignment with the APC was merely a formality for appearances. The PDP further alleged that Agbebaku had colluded with prominent APC members, including Senator Monday Okpebholo, to subvert democratic processes within the state. A significant point of contention for the party is Agbebaku’s refusal to reinstate local government council chairmen, the majority of whom were elected under the PDP banner but were suspended under dubious circumstances. The statement highlighted that under Agbebaku’s leadership, duly elected local government council chairmen—predominantly PDP members—were unlawfully suspended.
Despite the unconstitutional suspension’s expiration, he has declined to reinstate them, demonstrating evident partisan bias. The party also contested the APC’s claim that 17 council chairmen defected alongside Agbebaku, labeling the assertion as false and demanding that Senator Okpebholo disclose the names of the alleged defectors. Aziegbemi stated, ‘This is pure fiction. What they present are political appointees and puppets unlawfully imposed on the councils. They are Okpebholo’s loyal subordinates, not the elected representatives of the people.’
