Seventeen out of the 18 local government chairmen in Edo State have switched allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection took place on Wednesday at the New Festival Hall, Government House. However, Harrison Izekor, the acting chairman of Oredo Local Government, was notably absent from the event.
This mass defection follows a similar move by PDP lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly, which recently gave APC a majority in the legislature.
Governor Okpebholo’s Reaction
Governor Monday Okpebholo welcomed the defectors, commending their political courage and foresight. He highlighted the progress his administration had made in just four months, emphasizing improvements in security, governance, and infrastructure.
He criticized the previous administration led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing it of poor governance, insecurity, and financial mismanagement. Okpebholo stated that his government had reversed these setbacks and was committed to further developing Edo State.
The governor also expressed gratitude to former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, APC State Chairman Jarret Tenebe, and other party leaders for their support. He specifically thanked the councillors whose efforts led to the removal of former local government chairmen, paving the way for the new leadership.
APC’s Call for Unity
Lawrence Okah, the APC state secretary, urged the new members to integrate seamlessly with existing party members, emphasizing unity as key to supporting the governor’s vision for Edo’s development.
Reasons for Defection
Speaking on behalf of the defecting chairmen, ALGON Chairman and Esan Central LG Chairman, Kelvin Iyere, cited internal crises within the PDP and Governor Okpebholo’s development initiatives as their reasons for joining the APC.
PDP’s Response
Reacting to the defections, Chris Nehikhare, spokesperson for the PDP Caretaker Committee in Edo State, accused Governor Okpebholo of using state funds to influence councillors. He claimed that the governor had offered N2 million to each councillor to defect to APC.
Nehikhare criticized the alleged financial inducement, arguing that state funds should be directed toward urgent public needs such as security, education, healthcare, and economic growth rather than political maneuvering.
Despite PDP’s objections, Governor Okpebholo remains optimistic that more opposition leaders will join the APC, citing his administration’s achievements as a motivating factor. He also reaffirmed support for President Bola Tinubu and expressed confidence in APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.
