By Lucky Isibor
Three prominent political figures in Edo Central Senatorial District — Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, and Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen — have officially defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need to support ongoing development efforts by Governor Monday Okpebholo in the state. This defection has effectively collapsed the PDP in Edo Central Senatorial District into the ruling APC.
The defection, which took place at Irrua in Edo Central, is being seen as a significant political shift in the region, with the trio pledging allegiance to the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ordia said the decision was driven by a collective desire to move Edo State forward.
“Today, we have come with all sense of humility to join our brother in the struggle of making sure that Edo State has the required development. This is a clearly call for all Esan people and all our brothers in the north and the south of Edo State that the time has come for us to support what is good.
“Is it not so? Is the government not working? Is the government not working? What are we supposed to do? We are going to join him and we have joined him. God will bless all of you in Jesus’ name.”
Hon. Edionwele, in his remarks, described the governor as “performing” and urged party members to welcome new entrants into the APC fold.
“We are here to celebrate that APC is the official party in the Esan land. The governor has shown every other person and you can see the performance. Even when you are blind, you should see it.
“So that’s why we are here to join the performing governor. We are not here to compete with anybody, but we are here to compliment the performing governor’s performance. So don’t be afraid of your seat. We are not here to take over your seat.
“From today, doors should be open because APC will be swimming in. We don’t have time to worry because this is our time. The purpose of Esan agenda is development, and our own governor is developing the state.”
Also speaking, Mrs. Ihenyen described the defection as a “historical” moment for the Esan people, urging unity behind the current administration.
“Today is very historical… we the Esan that were in opposition have realised that if we send two sons to go and contest and one win while other lost, should we not join the one that won?
“Any Esan man or woman today that does not join Senator Monday Okpebholo to carry Edo forward, na witch he or she be.
“We have Esan women for Okpebholo, and we have Edo women for Asiwaju. We are going to personally apply to the government to register that movement because it is the movement that will drive us, and drive our ideas into Edo State.”
The defection is expected to strengthen the APC’s foothold in Edo Central, particularly among key stakeholders in Esan land, as political alignments continue to shift ahead of future electoral contests and the 2027 election cycle.