Edo Speaker says he left PDP for APC to retain benefits of his office
By KEMI KASUMU
Amidst continued apprehension across the country leading to members of the opposition parties decamping to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Shas given reasons for his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Speaker of Edo House of Assembly, Mr Blessing Agbebaku, has given the reason for decision to join the train.
Speaker Agbebaku was not alone as two other House members, Hon. Sunday Fada Eigbiremonlen and Hon. Idaiye Yekini Oisayemoje, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Tuesday May 6, 2025.
He officially informed House members of his defection on Wednesday May 7, during which he said that he joined the APC to retain the benefits of the office of Speaker for the development of his constituency.
He said, “I defected to the APC to retain the benefit of the speaker seat for the development of my constituency.
“For me, it is not about the party but about the development of our area. As a speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people.
“Distinguished members, I want to formally let this House know that yesterday, the Speaker of this House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC,” he said.
Agbebaku explained that his constituents were in support of his decision, noting “there is ongoing developmental projects in Owan West constituency initiated by Governor Monday Okpebholo.”
“So, my defection was not driven by personal gains but commitment to the welfare of those who elected him. Politics is all about interest, but not my interest, the interest of my people that gave me the mandate to be here today,” he added.
