By Ogochukwu Isioma
The political landscape in Edo State has shifted further in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Governor Monday Okpebholo formally received Hon. Marcus Onobun, the lone opposition federal lawmaker in the State, into the ruling party’s fold.
Onobun represents Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency at the National Assembly (House of Representatives), Abuja.
At the event, held on Friday, Governor Okpebholo described the move as the final nail in the coffin of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.
Speaking during the defection ceremony, the governor asserted that the APC is now firmly in control of Edo State, declaring that all vestiges of the opposition will be completely erased by the 2027 general elections.
“We are not lobbying anyone to join APC; they are coming because they see the results of our governance. In 2027, 2.5 million votes from Edo are guaranteed for President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
The Governor dismissed claims of online popularity by opposition figures, insisting that governance must be rooted in tangible performance, not social media rhetoric.
“Last week, we finally buried the PDP in Edo State. I saw someone crying at Ring Road, talking about having 65%. That is what we call social media winning. When I said I would become the Governor, I meant it. Today, we are turning Edo into a construction site, and they can see it,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo used the occasion to issue strong remarks against perceived political instability allegedly instigated by certain opposition leaders. He particularly condemned the recent visit of Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to Benin City, and claimed that it coincided with a resurgence of violence.
“That man who says he has no ‘shishi’ came and dropped ₦15 million. Where did he get it from? After he left, three people were killed. For this reason, Obi must not come to Edo without security clearance,” the Governor said.
He further accused key opposition figures of deep-rooted corruption and mismanagement, claiming some of them were responsible for derailed national infrastructure projects and national insecurity.
“Some of them stole railway funds. Some were Senate Presidents for years and could not build roads to their villages. Some sold off Nigeria’s assets and even ushered in Boko Haram and kidnappers. These same people now want to form new parties. Today, SDP, tomorrow ADC, next ADA. We do not need insecurity merchants,” Okpebholo declared.
Despite the fiery rhetoric, the Governor extended a hand of collaboration to Hon. Onobun and his supporters, urging them to join in the developmental vision for Edo State.
He emphasised the importance of holding contractors accountable and ensuring that all projects reflect the needs and expectations of the people.
Acting Deputy State Chairman of APC, Sylvester Aigboboh, said the defection is a major boost for the party, as it prepares for a major senatorial rerun election coming up next month.
He said the remnants in the PDP are expected to join the ruling APC in the coming months, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Marcus Onobun explained that his defection was both ideological and strategic.
“I led the campaign for an Esan Governor. Now that we have one, I cannot be in the opposition. I have seen what Governor Okpebholo is doing; Edo people have seen it. I am back home to support him so that our people can get more,” he said.
Onobun was accompanied into the APC by a host of former APC members who had earlier defected with him to the PDP. Their return, observers say, is a major consolidation of political strength ahead of future electoral contests in the State.
