The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the recent defection of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, and two other PDP lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a comical charade. The PDP characterized Agbebaku as a long-standing covert APC loyalist whose defection was merely a public acknowledgment of his true political allegiance. The party argued that Agbebaku’s actions as Speaker, particularly his suspension of duly elected PDP local government chairmen, had already demonstrated his alignment with the APC. The defection, according to the PDP, was orchestrated to impress the national APC leadership and create a false impression of political dominance in Edo State.
The PDP further ridiculed the APC’s claim that 17 council chairmen had defected alongside Agbebaku, challenging the ruling party to name a single duly elected PDP chairman who had crossed over. They asserted that the individuals presented as defectors were merely political appointees and loyalists of Monday Okpebholo, not elected representatives of the people. The PDP framed the entire event as a desperate attempt by the APC to manufacture a narrative of widespread support, a tactic they believed would fail to deceive the politically astute people of Edo State.
The PDP, through its caretaker committee chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, characterized Agbebaku’s defection as a textbook example of political opportunism driven by personal ambition rather than ideology or conviction. They expressed confidence that the people of Edo State would not be swayed by such theatrics and reaffirmed their commitment to reclaiming their “stolen mandate” from the September 2024 governorship election through legal means. Aziegbemi urged PDP members and supporters to remain resolute and united, undeterred by the APC’s “desperate” actions. He expressed confidence that the party would prevail in the pursuit of justice and good governance in Edo State.
Aziegbemi portrayed the defection as a part of a larger, orchestrated strategy by the APC to create a false narrative of political dominance in Edo State. He argued that this “stage-managed fanfare” was designed to project an image of strength and influence to the national APC leadership and the President. However, the PDP caretaker chairman maintained that the people of Edo State were politically aware and would not be deceived by such theatrics. He urged the people to remain steadfast in their support for the PDP and to look forward to a brighter future for the state.
The PDP’s response highlighted the underlying political tension and power struggles within Edo State. The defection of the Speaker and other lawmakers, along with the alleged defection of local government chairmen, significantly strengthens the APC’s hold on the state’s political landscape. The PDP’s strong reaction underscores the high stakes involved and their determination to challenge the APC’s growing influence. They frame the defections as a betrayal of the people’s mandate and a cynical maneuver for personal gain.
The PDP’s emphasis on legal avenues to reclaim their “stolen mandate” from the September 2024 governorship election signals their intention to continue fighting for political power in Edo State. Their call for unity and resilience within their ranks suggests an awareness of the challenges ahead and a determination to mobilize their supporters against what they perceive as the APC’s underhanded tactics. The PDP’s narrative paints a picture of a party determined to uphold democratic principles and fight for the interests of the people of Edo State against what they describe as the self-serving machinations of the APC.
