Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly have transitioned to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The legislators, Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East), were welcomed by the APC State Working Committee, headed by acting state Chairman Jarret Tenebe, at the party’s Secretariat in Benin yesterday.
As a result of this shift, the APC now comprises 13 members in the House, while the Peoples Democratic Party holds 11 seats. Additionally, the Labour Party has lost its sole representative to the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Edosa characterized this decision as a pivotal moment for them. He indicated that the internal divisions within their previous parties, extending from the national level to state and local councils, influenced their choice to defect.
He remarked, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. We have faith in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and have chosen to align with him in realizing his objectives for Edo State. We commit to collaborating with the governor to strengthen both the party and the state.”
Tenebe also emphasized that the lawmakers’ defection marks a significant milestone for the ruling APC in Edo. He assured them that they would receive the same rights and privileges as existing party members.
He said: “These 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 Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the party’s policies, the integrity of Okpebholo’s leadership, and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Edo people.
“We understand that changing political allegiance is not a decision taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction, and a belief in a better future. We commend these honourable members for their bravery and willingness to stand with us as we join hands with the governor to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and secure the lives of Edo residents.”
MEANWHILE, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, yesterday, said that the Okpebholo-led government has resorted to blame games over the worsening insecurity concerns in the state.
It also accused the state government of desperately attempting to use the crisis as a means of targeting and attacking the opposition, by threatening them with arrest and physical attacks.
The opposition party equally raised the alarm that the government and its agents also plan to make up stories to implicate PDP members and stalwarts so that they can illegally target their houses and other properties for demolition. This is contained in a statement signed by the Chairman Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, which was made available to newsmen in Benin.
