The Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Donald Okugbe (PDP – Akoko-Edo II), along with three other lawmakers, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), shifting the balance of power in the House.
The defectors include Bright Iyamu (PDP – Orhionmwon South II), Richard Edosa (PDP – Oredo West), and Sunday Ojezele (LP – Esan South East). With this move, the APC now holds 13 seats, surpassing the PDP’s 11 and securing a majority in the legislature.
At a formal event at the APC Secretariat in Benin, the defecting lawmakers were received by Acting State Chairman Jarret Tenebe, who attributed their decision to internal divisions and crises within their former parties. Speaking on behalf of the group, Richard Edosa described their defection as a “defining moment,” expressing confidence in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership and commitment to Edo State’s development.
Tenebe welcomed them into the party, assuring them of equal rights and privileges with existing members. He praised their bravery, stating that their move strengthens the APC’s efforts to improve governance, security, and economic growth in the state.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic handover of APC brooms to the defecting lawmakers, officially marking their entry into the ruling party.
