The Switch-Up: Speaker Blessing Agbebaku's Surprise Move to APC
APC-OPP opponent Agbebaku has been a long-time APC member
According to our sources, the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) suspects their former ally, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, has been working hand in glove with the All Progressives Congress (APC) before his recent defection.
The PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, argues that Agbebaku's switch is nothing more than a publicity stunt, concealing his long-standing loyalty to the APC.
In a press statement, Aziegbemi revealed that Agbebaku collaborated with Governor Monday Okpebholo to oust democratically elected local government chairmen, a move that Representative Isa contends is symptomatic of the APC's disregard for democratic processes[3].
"Tuesday's grandiose display in Benin City was just the official confirmation of what had already become common knowledge. Agbebaku has, for months, been serving the APC's interests both in demeanor and affiliation. This entire performance was nothing more than a desperate show, designed to hoodwink the President and the APC national leadership-a spectacle that would make David Copperfield proud.
"It's clear as day that under Agbebaku's reign, he and Monday Okpebholo colluded with the Edo APC to suspend duly elected local government council chairmen, most of whom were PDP members. Despite the expiration of that unlawful suspension, Agbebaku refused to reverse it, acting with blatant partisanship. If there's any evidence of his true political alliances, this is it," Aziegbemi stated.
The PDP called out the APC for its claim that 17 local government chairmen have defected to the APC. The party challenged the APC-led administration to reveal the identities of the alleged defectors.
"Agbebaku's formal union with the APC is a classic example of political opportunism. It's a move motivated not by ideology or conviction, but personal ambition and self-preservation. While the APC celebrates this, we in the PDP remain unfazed. Men who stand for nothing will always fall for anything.
"The APC's claim that 17 council chairmen have defected is pure fabrication. We challenge the APC to name a single duly elected PDP chairman who has defected. The truth is that what they present are political appointees and allies, illegally appointed to the council positions-Monday Okpebholo's loyalists, not the people's elected representatives. We dare Okpebholo to reveal the names of the Council Chairmen who defected.
"The APC's efforts to create a misleading image of political superiority in Edo State are futile. The people of Edo are politically perceptive and cannot be deceived by such theatrics," Aziegbemi declared.
Aziegbemi encouraged Edo residents to endure the current period of turmoil, as victory is imminent.
"The PDP remains unwavering in its commitment to justice. We are working diligently to reclaim our rightfully won mandate from the manipulated September 2024 governorship election. To our members, supporters, and indeed, the people of Edo, remain steadfast, united, and resilient. Do not be swayed by the desperation of those who put personal gain above public welfare," he added.
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- Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, once a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been accused of long-standing loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite his recent defection.
- Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP chairman, has suggested that Agbebaku's move to the APC is a publicity stunt, concealing his allegiance to the APC.
- In a collaborative effort, Agbebaku and Governor Monday Okpebholo are accused of ousting democratically elected local government chairmen, a move the APC is said to disregard for democratic processes.
- The PDP has challenged the APC to reveal the identities of the 17 local government chairmen alleged to have defected to the APC, stating that they primarily consist of political appointees and allies, not elected representatives.
- The PDP's commitment to justice and reclaiming the mandate from the manipulated September 2024 governorship election remains strong, encouraging all members, supporters, and Edo residents to stay united and resilient.
- Amidst all the political shifts, Bianca Ojukwu, a notable figure, has denied any intentions of defecting to the APC.
- The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied restoring Abure and Anyanwu as national officers of the Labour Party or PDP, and Governor Okpebholo has been called upon to reveal the names of the council chairmen who allegedly defected to the APC.
