Edo Governor predicts PDP collapse amid surge in defections to APC

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has forecast a complete breakdown of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, pointing to the growing wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as clear evidence of the party’s waning influence.This assertion followed the defection of Nicholas Asonsere, the PDP lawmaker representing Ikpoba Okha State Constituency, who formally joined the APC. With his defection, the APC now commands the majority in the Edo State House of Assembly, holding 15 seats compared to the PDP’s nine.

The development was made public in a statement issued on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo received Hon. Asonsere at the Government House, where he welcomed him into the APC fold.



Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo assured Asonsere and others who had defected from rival parties that they would not face discrimination, promising them meaningful inclusion and a platform to contribute to the state’s growth. “The party is a place of opportunities, and you will not be marginalised,” he said.Reaffirming his administration’s development agenda, the Governor said his primary goal is to improve the lives of Edo people by deploying the state’s resources responsibly.

“My idea for Edo people is development. My focus is on development, and I will not be distracted from making life better for our people,” he said.He stressed that both Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and allocations from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) would be directed toward infrastructure and services that benefit citizens.

Governor Okpebholo reflected on his own political journey, describing it as unexpected but fuelled by popular support. “When I joined the APC, I had no intention of contesting any political office. But I was encouraged by people who believe in good governance.

I contested for the Senate, won, and now I am Governor. Today, the APC is showing what governance should look like in Edo State. Very soon, the PDP will be a thing of the past in this state.

”He also criticised his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki, for what he described as neglect of the education sector. Referring to a recent visit to Army Day Secondary School in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, he said he witnessed decaying infrastructure and overcrowded classrooms, which he vowed to address.Also speaking at the event, APC State Chairman Jarrett Tenebe linked Asonsere’s defection to the Governor’s performance in office.

“Your Excellency, your developmental strides have shaken the opposition and the Edo State House of Assembly. This is why members of other parties are now aligning with the APC,” he said.For his part, Hon.

Asonsere said his decision to leave the PDP was inspired entirely by the Governor’s impact, not political pressure. “I was not approached by anyone. I made this decision on my own after seeing the remarkable progress Governor Monday Okpebholo is making.

He is building the first flyover in Benin City—in my constituency. I cannot stay on the sidelines while this kind of transformation is happening. I want to be part of it.

”Also in attendance, the APC State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, said the party is expecting more defections in the coming weeks, further solidifying its control of the Assembly.As political realignments continue across Edo, the Governor’s allies see the defections as a vote of confidence in his leadership, while opposition figures face growing pressure to regroup or risk further erosion of their support base.

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