The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State House of Assembly has lost one of its members, Ojiezele Osezua Sunday, who on Monday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ojiezele, representing the Esan South-East constituency, was previously elected on the APC platform between 2019 and 2023.
He was among the 10 lawmakers inaugurated by the former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
However, he defected to the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections and was re-elected under the party’s banner.
Reasons for Defection
Describing his return to the APC as a “homecoming,” Ojiezele attributed his defection to the ongoing crises within the PDP at both state and national levels.
He expressed confidence in the APC’s leadership and pledged to rally his supporters to join the party.
“I left the PDP because of the irreconcilable crisis rocking the party. It feels good to be back home, and I will work to bring more of my supporters to the APC,” he stated.
Ojiezele’s defection marks a significant shift in the Esan South-East constituency, which also produced the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election.
APC Welcomes Ojiezele
The two-time lawmaker was warmly received by the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Jarret Tenebe, alongside members of the state executive council. Tenebe expressed optimism that more members from opposition parties would soon join the APC, citing growing confidence in the party’s vision and leadership.
“We are confident that this is just the beginning. More members of the opposition will join us as we continue to grow stronger,” Tenebe stated.
Impact on Edo State House of Assembly
Ojiezele’s defection reduces the PDP’s majority in the 24-member Edo State House of Assembly. The composition now stands at 13 PDP members, nine APC members, and one from the Labour Party.
The shift highlights ongoing political realignments in Edo State as parties position themselves for future electoral contests.
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