Donald Okogbe, an ally of the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, was among the opposition lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly who defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Ekwutosblog reports that Donald Okogbe, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo II in the State House of Assembly, was the lone voice that opposed the 2024 impeachment of Philip Shaibu by the House.

However, in May 2024, he was suspended along with two other lawmakers for six months over allegations of planting charms in the Assembly complex and plotting to impeach principal officers of the House.

Other lawmakers who defected to APC alongside Donald Okogbe on Wednesday include Bright Iyamu, a PDP member representing Orhionmwon II constituency; Dr Richard Edosa, a Labour Party member representing Oredo West constituency; and Sunday Ojiezele, representing Esan South-East constituency.

Bright Iyamu was also among the three lawmakers suspended in March 2024 by the Blessing Agbebaku-led House over allegations of planting charms in the Assembly complex and plotting to change the leadership of the House.

The third lawmaker suspended alongside them was Addeh Emakhu of the APC, representing Esan North-East I.

Ekwutosblog recalls that Sunday Ojiezele had, on 23rd December 2024, defected from PDP to APC.

The defected lawmakers, who were received by the APC state executives led by Jarret Tenebe, stated that they left their various parties due to irreconcilable crises and divisions at the state, local, and national levels.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Okogbe also cited the ongoing infrastructural development and the people-oriented policies and programmes of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led APC government as reasons for their defection.

He stated that they were joining APC to complement and contribute to the governor’s vision for the development of the state through legislation.

Receiving the defected lawmakers, the acting state chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, commended them for their bold decision to leave their former parties for APC.

Tenebe asserted that their defection was a strong endorsement of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s commitment to progress, unity, justice, economic prosperity, and food security for the people.

“These honourable members, who bring with them a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognised that the APC offers the most promising path forward for Edo State and our nation, Nigeria. They have seen the clarity of the policies, the integrity of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership, and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of the Edo people.

“We understand that changing political allegiances is not a decision taken lightly. It requires courage, conviction, and a belief in a better future. We commend these honourable members for their bravery and their willingness to stand with us as we join hands with Governor Monday Okpebholo to build a stronger economy, improve education, promote social harmony, and ensure the security of the Edo people.

“Let us be clear that this is not merely about increasing our numbers. It is about strengthening our collective resolve, bringing together individuals who share a common purpose and a desire to make a real difference.

“We value the contributions of every member, and we are confident that our new honourable members will play a vital role in our journey towards success,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ekwutosblog reported that the state chapter of PDP last week accused the Monday Okpebholo-led government of planning to spend a whopping N2.8 billion to bribe 14 opposition lawmakers to defect to the APC.

A statement issued by Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP State Caretaker Committee, alleged that N200 million had been allocated to bribe each lawmaker.