Two members of the Edo State House of Assembly, previously elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The lawmakers, Eugene Inegbeboh, representing Igueben Constituency, and Andrew Uzamere, representing Ovia II Constituency, announced their defection on Friday.
Their exit further weakens the PDP’s presence in the House, shrinking its seats from 15 at inception of the ninth assembly to just four. The APC now holds a commanding majority with 20 members.
Receiving the defectors at the APC state secretariat in Benin, the State Chairman of the party, Jarrett Tenebe, described the move as reflective of a “growing political consciousness across Edo State.” He said the decision of the lawmakers aligns with the APC’s values of accountability, vision, and inclusive development.
According to Tenebe, “There is no old or new membership in APC. We are one family. The same honour and expectations accorded to long-standing members are equally extended to you.”
He continued, “Your coming is a reinforcement of what we stand for. We are welcoming two proven leaders whose experience will further enrich our party’s vision and grassroots reach.
“Let us all take today as a reminder that the strength of the APC lies not just in our numbers, but in our unity, our discipline and our shared belief in a better Edo.
“As a party, we urged all Edo citizens to continue to give our governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the full support and enabling environment he needs to implement his people-centred programs.”
The two lawmakers, in their remarks, expressed appreciation to the APC leadership for the warm reception and pledged to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth.
Earlier defections had also chipped away at the PDP’s numbers, but Friday’s move further signals the shifting political tides in Edo ahead of the coming elections.
