Ganduje says Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 done deal
It was a brutal political knockout for the hitherto tottering Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State as the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on Tuesday made a clean sweep of what is left of its elected officials from the Speaker of the House of Assembly to the councillors.
Newsmata.com.ng reports that the defectors, led by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, were received by the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who was represented by the national secretary, Ajibola Basiru.
Others who dumped the PDP were some lawmakers, 17 out of the 18 acting local government councils’ chairmen and virtually all the192 councillors. The defection of additional members of the House now brings to 18 the number of APC lawmakers thereby further boosting its majority status. This leaves the PDP with only six members.
Receiving the new members, Basiru commended Governor Monday Okpebholo, for reclaiming the state and harvesting more members, including the Speaker, noting that “The only party on the ground in Edo State is the APC.”
He also hailed his leadership, particularly for ensuring regular salary payments and infrastructural renewal such as the ongoing road projects in Ekpoma. He noted that the wave of defections signified a shift in political tides and reflected growing confidence in the APC-led administration.
The APC scribe was excited that the APC had moved from minority to majority in the state legislature and would continue to wax stronger in the build-up to the 2027 general election with the support of Edo people.
Basiru said the only way the nation could be salvaged is to ensure the continuity of good governance by way of re-electing the APC and President Bola Tinubu in 2027, adding that with the massive support the party now enjoys in Edo State, it is guaranteed that President Tinubu’s re-election in Edo State come 2027 “is a sealed deal”.
Among those who decamped with the Speaker Agbebaku are, Sunny Ifada, Yekini Idiaye, former deputy speaker Roland Asoro; former House Majority Leader Nosa Nosayaba; and former PDP State Secretary Gabriel Oloruntoba.
Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the new entrants into the APC fold, promising that the state is on a path to accelerated growth with the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said, “Edo is witnessing unprecedented development because we have a president who believes in our people. From roads to flyovers, education, youth employment, and agriculture, we are investing massively to ensure food security and economic stability”.
Reiterating that Edo would play a leading role in ensuring President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, Governor Okpebholo said, “We will lead the South-South in supporting Mr. President. We have the structure and the momentum, and we will launch this mission from Edo State”.
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, hailed the Speaker’s return to APC as a homecoming, describing Agbebaku as one of the original builders of the party in the state.
Oshiomhole said, “This defection is a testament to the governor’s impressive performance. Out of 24 Assembly members, APC now holds 18 seats, providing the needed legislative support to move the state forward”.
He expressed optimism that the governor’s achievements would earn him a second term in 2028, just as Edo State would deliver for President Tinubu in 2027.
Edo APC Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, attributed the wave of defections to the visible development strides under Governor Okpebholo. “The governor’s performance speaks volumes, and his results are drawing others back to the party,” he said.
Speaker Agbebaku, in his remarks, praised the governor’s developmental focus, citing the construction of Uhonmora Secondary School and three major roads in Owan West LGA as signs of inclusive governance. “We are here to support the governor and the president to move Edo forward,” he declared.
APC State Woman Leader, Betty Okoebor, described the PDP as a “sinking ship,” stating that the mass defection proves that APC is now the dominant force in the state.
Lucky Ohimia, youth coordinator of Asiwaju 2027, thanked the governor for fostering peace and development, pledging to mobilize support for the APC in the coming elections.