IRRUA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suffered a significant political setback as prominent figures in Edo Central, including Senator Clifford Ordia, Hon. Joe Edionwele, and Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside their supporters.
The defection ceremony, held in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, attracted a large turnout of politicians and supporters, including members of other parties, including the Labour Party.
The defectors were received by APC leaders in the state, led by the State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as political realignment gathers momentum in the region.
Speaking during the event, Senator Clifford Ordia said that the move was driven by a desire to unite for development in Esan land and Edo State at large.
“It is time for all Esan sons and daughters to support their own,” Ordia said.
“Today, we have come with all sense of humility to join our brother in the struggle to ensure Edo State gets the required development. This is a clear call for all Esan people and all our brothers across the state that the time has come to support what is good.”
He added, “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.”
Also speaking, Hon. Joe Edionwele, a former member of the 8th and 9th National Assembly, representing Esan Central/Esan West/Igueben Federal Constituency, described APC as the dominant political force in Esan land.
“We are here to celebrate APC as the official party in Esan land,” he said.
“The governor has shown capacity through his performance. Even when you are blind, you should see it.”
Edionwele said the decision to join the ruling party was not driven by rivalry, but by support for what he described as visible governance achievements.
“We are not here to compete with anybody, but to complement the performing governor’s efforts. Don’t be afraid of your seats; we are not here to take over anyone’s position,” he added.
He further urged local party structures across Edo Central to align with the APC, expressing confidence that the party’s presence in the region would continue to grow.
Former Political Adviser and educationist, Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, also described the event as a historic moment for Esan politics, saying the decision to defect was influenced by support for Governor Okpebholo’s administration.
“Today is very historical because we, the Ishan who were in opposition, have realised that if two sons contest and one wins, it is only right to join the winner for the development of the area,” she said.
Ihenyen added that continued opposition to the administration would be counterproductive, praising what she described as ongoing development efforts.
“Any Esan man or woman today that does not join Senator Monday Okpebholo to move Edo forward is not being fair. We are happy with what he is doing,” she said.
She also announced the alignment of women’s political support groups, noting the emergence of movements such as “Edo Women for Okpebholo” and “Edo Women for Asiwaju,” which she said would be formally organised to support development-focused initiatives in the state.
The defections mark a notable shift in the political landscape of Edo Central, strengthening the APC’s foothold in the region.