Donald Okugbe (PDP – Akoko-Edo II), the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, and three other lawmakers have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday.
The other lawmakers are 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 13 seats in the House, while the PDP’s representation has decreased to 11.
The lawmakers were welcomed at the APC Secretariat in Benin by the Acting State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, who acknowledged that deep divisions and ongoing crises within their former parties prompted their defection.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Edosa characterised their decision as a “defining moment”. He expressed their belief in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and their commitment to advancing the state’s development.
As he welcomed them into the party, Tenebe described their move to join the APC as a courageous step towards a brighter future for Edo State. He assured them they would enjoy the same rights and privileges as other members.
The APC chairman lauded their bravery and emphasised that their defection bolstered the party’s collective determination to enhance governance, security, and economic growth within the state.
The event concluded with a symbolic handover of APC brooms to the defecting lawmakers, officially marking their entry into the ruling party.
