The Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Donald Okugbe (PDP – Akoko-Edo II), along with three other lawmakers, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday.
The other defectors include Bright Iyamu (PDP – Orhionmwon South II), Richard Edosa (PDP – Oredo West), and Sunday Ojezele (LP – Esan South East).
With this defection, the APC now holds a majority in the House with 13 members, while the Peoples Democratic Party is left with 11 members.
The lawmakers were received at the APC Secretariat in Benin by the Acting State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe. They cited internal divisions and unresolved crises within their former parties as the primary reasons for their decision to switch allegiance.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Richard Edosa referred to the move as a “defining moment” for them, expressing their confidence in the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo. He assured the APC leadership of their commitment to working with the administration to further the development of Edo State.
In his welcome address, Tenebe praised the defecting lawmakers for making a “bold step toward a better future for Edo State.” He assured them of equal rights and privileges within the party and emphasized that their defection would strengthen the APC’s collective resolve to improve governance, security, and economic development in the state.
The event concluded with a symbolic handing over of APC brooms to the defecting lawmakers, marking their official entry into the ruling party.
