Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly have defected to the All Progressives Congress.
The lawmakers — Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East) — stormed the APC Secretariat in Benin on Wednesday, where they were received by the APC State Working Committee, led by the acting state chairman, Jarret Tenebe.
With this development, the APC now has 13 members in the House, while the PDP has 11. The Labour Party lost its only representative to the APC.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Edosa described the move as a defining moment for them.
He stated that divisions within their former parties, from the national level down to the state and local governments, prompted their decision to leave.
He said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. We believe in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and have decided to join him in achieving his goals for Edo State. We promise to work with the governor
to build both the party and the state.”
Also speaking, Tenebe described the lawmakers’ defection as a significant moment for the ruling APC in Edo.
He assured them that the party would grant them the same rights and privileges as other 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 Governor Monday 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 Governor Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and secure the lives of Edo residents.
“This is not merely about increasing our numbers but about strengthening our collective resolve. It is about uniting individuals who share a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference. We value the contributions of every member, and we are confident that our new Honourable Members will play a vital role in our journey towards success.”
Earlier, the acting APC chairman, Jarret Tenebe, presented brooms — the party’s symbol — to each of the new APC lawmakers.
Thugs take over secretariat as PDP NWC meets first time in five months
The National Working Committee of the People’s Democratic Party rose from its first meeting in over five months on Wednesday, creating the impression of a quick return to peace.
However, the security situation around the Wadata Plaza national secretariat, where the closed-door meeting was held, painted a different picture.
A few hours before the meeting, scores of thugs took over the entire building, preventing easy access for members.
Sunday Udeh-Okoye, the Court of Appeal-imposed new secretary of the PDP, who eventually attended the meeting, was threatened—along with his colleagues—by aides of the removed former secretary, Sam Anyanwu.
However, the situation took a sudden turn when security personnel arrived and forcefully arrested the leader of the thugs.
In a brazen attempt to disrupt the meeting, Emmanuel Okoronkwo, an aide to the ousted National Secretary, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, led thugs to block the entrance of the party’s national headquarters.
This incident is the latest development in the ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, as Samuel Anyanwu continues to lay claim to the position of National Secretary after an Appeal Court in Enugu rejected him.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on the case.
The meeting, which was also the first after the Supreme Court threw out a motion for a stay of execution of a High Court judgment removing Senator Anyanwu from office, was dramatic due to Udeh-Okoye’s official welcome to the secretaryship.
Although the meeting’s agenda was not made public, it was gathered that discussions included arrangements for the upcoming Anambra Governorship election and the pending Supreme Court case over the secretaryship tussle.
A party source familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Of course, the issue of the screening of aspirants for the Anambra election, as well as the Supreme Court decision, featured.
“We formally welcomed Udeh-Okoye into our fold. This is the first physical meeting the NWC is holding this year. The party is making progress slowly, and we have to tread with caution until we hear from the Supreme Court again on the substantive suit regarding the National Secretary position.”
The conduct of the zonal congresses was also discussed, it was learned.
