APC Takes Charge in Edo: Ganduje, Oshiomhole Hail Speaker’s Defection, Predict Victory in 2027

The political tide in Edo State is turning fast in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a wave of high-profile defections led by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku.

The APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for “reclaiming” the state from the opposition and attracting more grassroots and legislative support. Speaking at a rally in Benin, Ganduje, represented by the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, described the wave of defections as a strong signal that the APC is back in control.

“Edo is now fully in the hands of the APC,” Ganduje declared. “With this renewed momentum, we are confident that President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 is already sealed in Edo.”

The event saw the official defection of 192 councillors, 18 local government chairmen, and two lawmakers — all joining the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Basiru, while receiving the new members, thanked them for choosing to align with the ruling party, describing their decision as a step towards sustaining “good governance.”

Speaker Agbebaku, who led the defectors, didn’t mince words as he addressed the crowd. “If I had refused to join the APC, wouldn’t that be witchcraft?” he asked rhetorically, drawing cheers from the audience. He called on his colleagues still in the PDP to join the APC to “develop Edo together.”

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Former Edo State Governor and current senator, Adams Oshiomhole, also addressed the gathering, commending Okpebholo for his leadership and for “bringing the state back to the fold.” Oshiomhole took a swipe at Governor Godwin Obaseki, blaming him for pushing the party into opposition, but expressed joy at what he called “a people-led comeback.”

The APC now holds 18 of the 24 seats in the Edo State House of Assembly, putting them in a clear majority. Oshiomhole urged the remaining six lawmakers to “join the train,” saying Edo people have spoken through their actions.

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, said the defections mark a new chapter for the APC in the state. He described the party as the “winning team” and called on residents to support President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.