In a dramatic political shake-up, lawmakers in the House of Representatives and those of the Edo and Delta assemblies witnessed a wave of defections yesterday as 33 lawmakers abandoned their former party and declared allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move has further strengthened the ruling party’s grip ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In Delta, the Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, and 21 other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday.
The 22 lawmakers’ defection followed a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
NAN also reports that the defection has turned the assembly into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members are from the APC.
Guwor, announcing the defection on Tuesday during the plenary’s resumption after the Easter break, noted that the decision was the result of extensive consultations with constituents and political leaders across the state.
The move, he said, aligned with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
According to him, the political shift toward APC was in response to the realignment of stakeholders and the desire to align with the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu.
“The mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, to APC was made in the overall interest of the state’s people,” he said.
Guwor explained that the decision followed extensive consultations on April 23, culminating in the April 28 official receptions at the Government House and the Cenotaph.
“We are fully committed to partnering with the federal government to deliver greater development to the people of Delta.
“On behalf of the House, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori in making this strategic and timely decision. As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour.
” This renewed partnership between the state and the federal government must be supported and allowed to flourish so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time,” he stated.
Guwor also announced that he had received 22 letters, including his own, notifying him of the change of party affiliation from PDP to APC.
He said the defection was driven by instability within the PDP national leadership and divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive Committee, leading to internal conflicts and disunity.
The Speaker affirmed the constitutional basis for the defection, citing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“With this action, the Delta House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the All Progressives Congress. We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action,” he said.
The Speaker, who appreciated members’ contributions so far, urged them to ensure the completion of all pending bills as the second legislative session nears its end.
Following this development, the majority leader, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, moved to adopt the letters of change in a political party.
The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, was seconded by Mr Ferguson Onwo (APC-Isoko South II).
Addressing journalists shortly after the plenary, the majority leader said that the crisis within the PDP prompted the defection.
“Our decision was based on the instability at the national level and the factionalisation at the South-South level.
” Consequently, we chose to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, by Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.
*Edo Speaker, others also quit party
In Edo State, yesterday, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Agbebaku, who has been Speaker since June 16, 2023, under the PDP, cited Governor Monday Okpebholo’s constituency development initiatives as his primary reason for leaving the party to join the APC.
The Speaker defected alongside fellow PDP members, including Yekini Idiaye from Akoko-Edo 1 and Fada Sunday Igbiremonlen, representing Esan Central in the state assembly.
Seventeen other local government area chairpersons and councillors also defected yesterday in Edo State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defection will increase the number of APC lawmakers to 18, reducing the PDP’s assembly members to just six.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the party’s National Chairman, and Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the party’s national secretary, received the defectors on behalf of the APC. The latter welcomed them and promised fairness and equal treatment.
Bashiru described the defection as a significant milestone for APC’s consolidation efforts across Edo, adding that the party was stronger and more united.
He praised Okpebholo for good governance, especially his commitment to paying salaries regularly and his focus on infrastructure, including ongoing road construction projects in Ekpoma.
He said the defections reflected a political shift and growing trust in the APC administration, boosting its credibility and influence in the Edo political landscape.
On his part, Okpebholo, who also welcomed the defectors, promised accelerated development for the State, supported entirely by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and ongoing federal initiatives.
“Edo is experiencing real progress because our president supports the people. The investments span roads, flyovers, education, youth employment, agriculture, and food security,” he stated.
He added that Edo would be crucial in re-electing President Tinubu in 2027, ensuring strong grassroots mobilisation and full political support from the South-South region.
“We’ll lead the South-South to support Mr President. With our structure and energy, this political mission will officially begin here in Edo,” he affirmed.
Also, former governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole described the Speaker’s return as a homecoming, noting that Agbebaku was foundational in building the APC in Edo from its inception.
The House of Representatives Leader, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, expressed joy over Agbebaku’s decision, calling it strategic for political balance and stability in Owan and the entire APC structure.
“I commend Agbebaku for joining APC’s mission alongside Gov. Okpebholo in rebuilding Edo after the setbacks caused by the previous government’s mismanagement and neglect,” Ihonvbere said.
“It’s a pivotal moment for APC in Edo North and a significant victory for the Owan West chapter. The party now stands firmer and united,” he added.
Also, yesterday, eight members of the House of Representatives announced their defection from their previous political parties to new ones.
Six lawmakers from Delta State officially left the PDP to join the APC, while two others from Enugu State dumped the Labour Party for the PDP.
The letters conveying their defection were presented during the House’s plenary session.
Nicholas Mutu, representing Bomadi and the longest-serving member of the House, led the Delta group. Mutu, who has been in the Green Chamber since 1999 under the PDP banner, also heads the Southern regional caucus.
The other lawmakers from Delta who crossed over include Nnamdi Ezechi (Ndokwa/Nkwuani), Jonathan Okodiko (Isoko), Thomas Eriyetomi (Warri), Julius Pondi (Burutu), and Victor Nwokolo (Ika North and South).
*Two others switch from LP to PDP in Enugu
From Enugu State, Mark Obetta (Nsukka/Igboeze South) and Dennis Agbo (Igbo Eze North/Udenu), both elected on the Labour Party platform, announced their move to the PDP.
They cited internal party crises in the PDP and Labour Party as key reasons for their decisions, stating that they sought platforms better suited to serving their constituents.
