01/08/2026
ESAN NORTH-EAST APC RECORDS MASSIVE DEFECTION AS PDP LEADERS, SUPPORTERS JOIN RULING PARTY IN UROMI
By 24-7 LEGIT UPDATE
August 1, 2026
Uromi, Edo State – The political landscape in Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State witnessed a major realignment on Friday, July 31, 2026, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomed a large number of prominent leaders and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into its fold during a well-attended defection ceremony in Uromi.
The event, described by party leaders as a significant milestone for the APC, attracted political stakeholders from across Esanland and marked one of the largest defections recorded in the local government in recent years.
The defectors attributed their decision to join the APC to what they described as the impressive performance and developmental achievements of the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, particularly in infrastructure, security, and grassroots governance.
The new members were officially received by top APC leaders, including the Esan North-East Local Government Chairman-elect, Hon. Amb. Prince Saturday Iyoha; Esan North-East APC Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ibhagbemien; Esan South-East APC Chairman, Elder Godday Obanoke; Member representing Esan North-East Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Maria Omonzele Edeko; Member representing Esan North-East Constituency I, Hon. Addeh Isibor; the Governor's Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Anslem Adima; former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emma Okoduwa; alongside other party leaders and stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the APC chairmen for Esan North-East and Esan South-East welcomed the defectors and urged them to remain loyal, committed, disciplined, and united in advancing the ideals and objectives of the party. They emphasized that the APC remains one united family dedicated to promoting good governance and sustainable development across Edo State.
As a symbol of their formal admission into the party, the new members were presented with the APC broom, signifying unity, collective strength, and their commitment to the progress of the ruling party.
Leading the wave of defections was respected philanthropist and businessman Prince Godwin Agbonkhese, popularly known as Alhaji Dollars. Others included the Chairman of the Uromi Community Association of Nigeria (UCAN), Mr. Marcus Okpeaye; former PDP Ward 5 leader and former Local Government Women's Leader, Mrs. Osoyiboh; former PDP Local Government leader, Chief Okoh Joshua; and numerous political coordinators, supporters, and grassroots mobilizers from various wards across Esan North-East.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the group expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, stating that his administration has delivered visible dividends of democracy through ongoing infrastructure projects, improved security, and people-oriented policies. They also expressed optimism that the collaboration between the Governor's development agenda and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would further accelerate growth and prosperity across Edo State and Nigeria.
The political movement generated excitement across several wards within the local government. In Ward 11, party executives and supporters celebrated the arrival of Prince Godwin Agbonkhese and his supporters, describing his entrance into the APC as a major boost to the party's grassroots strength. Ward 5 also witnessed an enthusiastic reception as former PDP Women's Leader, Mrs. Osoyiboh, officially led her supporters into the APC.
Reacting to the development, Rt. Hon. Maria Omonzele Edeko described Prince Agbonkhese as a respected entrepreneur and community leader whose contributions to humanitarian service and grassroots development have earned him widespread admiration. She noted that the influx of new members would significantly strengthen the APC ahead of future political engagements.
In his remarks, the Esan North-East Local Government Chairman-elect, Hon. Amb. Prince Saturday Iyoha, warmly welcomed the defectors, assuring them of equal opportunities and full integration within the APC family. He stated that the increasing number of political stakeholders joining the party demonstrates growing public confidence in the APC and reinforces its position as the dominant political force in Esanland.
He reaffirmed the party's commitment to sustaining good governance, promoting inclusive development, and working collectively to ensure continued electoral success for the All Progressives Congress in Edo State.
The ceremony concluded with jubilation, solidarity songs, and renewed commitment from both party leaders and new members to work together in advancing the APC's vision for the continued progress of Esan North-East, Edo State, and Nigeria.
