BENIN CITY, Nigeria – Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly, including Majority Leader Donald Okugbe, defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC, on Wednesday, citing deep divisions and unresolved crises within their former parties.
The defection strengthens the APC’s position in the House, giving it 13 members compared to the Peoples Democratic Party’s, PDP, 11.
The defectors include Bright Iyamu (PDP – Orhionmwon South II), Richard Edosa (PDP – Oredo West), and Sunday Ojezele (Labour Party – Esan South East).
They were formally received at the APC Secretariat in Benin by the party’s Acting State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Edosa described their decision as a “defining moment” and expressed confidence in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“We believe in the vision of Gov. Monday Okpebholo and are committed to working with him to advance the state’s development,” he said.
Tenebe welcomed the lawmakers into the APC, describing their move as a bold step toward a better future for Edo State.
He assured them of equal rights and privileges within the party and praised their courage in joining the APC.
“Your decision to join the APC strengthens our collective resolve to improve governance, security, and economic development in Edo State,” Tenebe said.
The event concluded with a symbolic handing over of APC brooms to the defecting lawmakers, marking their official entry into the ruling party.
