Two Edo Lawmakers Dump PDP for APC, Party Now Holds Majority in Assembly

Two lawmakers of the Edo State House of Assembly, originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further shifting the political balance in the state legislature.

The defectors are Eugene Ojie Inegbeboh, representing Igueben Constituency, and Andrew Uzamere, representing Ovia North East II Constituency.

Their formal declaration was made on Monday at the APC state secretariat in Benin City.

Their exit leaves the PDP with only four members in the 24-member state assembly.

Receiving the lawmakers, Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, welcomed the development, describing the move as a significant moment for the party and a sign of growing political alignment with the APC’s governance philosophy.

“This is not just a gain for the APC; it is a reinforcement of what we stand for—unity, inclusiveness, and purposeful leadership,” Tenebe said. “The APC does not distinguish between old and new members; we are one family.”

He praised the lawmakers’ decision, citing their track record and political experience as valuable assets that would bolster the party’s presence at the grassroots level.

“As a party, we encourage all Edo citizens to continue to support our governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in his drive to deliver people-oriented programmes across the state,” Tenebe added.

In their separate remarks, the lawmakers said their defection was motivated by a desire to align with the vision and development goals of the APC-led administration in the state.

They pledged to work with the party’s leadership and structure to strengthen its hold on the state and contribute to its success in the forthcoming by-election.

The move is expected to heighten political activity in the state as preparations intensify for local and national contests ahead of 2027.