Edo Lawmaker Sunny Ojiezele Defects to APC, Cites Growing Rift in PDP

By Moshood Karim

Sunny Ojiezele, the lawmaker representing Esan South-East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing irreconcilable differences within his former party.

 

Ojiezele, who previously served as a member of the APC before joining the PDP in 2019, made the announcement at the APC State Secretariat in Benin City on Friday, marking a significant political shift in the State's landscape. His return to the APC, he explained, was both a personal and professional decision, one that he framed as a return to his political roots.

 

“I am coming home,” Ojiezele declared during his speech, highlighting his gratitude for the platform the APC provided him in the past. “The APC gave me the opportunity to represent my people, and I’m here today to repay that support.” He stressed that his move was prompted by internal struggles within the PDP, which he described as deeply divided and unable to align on key issues.

 

While Ojiezele had made the switch to the PDP alongside former Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2019, he pointed out that on-going factionalism and party infighting had made it increasingly difficult for him to remain within its ranks. “The PDP is no longer a party of unity. The internal issues have become so deep that it’s impossible to continue,” he explained.

 

The lawmaker's defection comes on the heels of a crushing loss for the PDP in the September 2023 Edo State governorship election, where the APC emerged victorious. Ojiezele did not mince words about his view on the future of the party, suggesting that the APC’s resurgence made his decision to return a logical one.

 

“The APC remains the party of progress and unity in Edo State. After the recent elections, it’s clear that the APC is the party moving forward, and I want to be part of that momentum,” he added.

 

Ojiezele was warmly received by the APC leadership, with the State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, describing the defecting lawmaker as a “key addition” to the party. Tenebe expressed confidence that Ojiezele’s return would bolster the APC’s influence and strengthen its position in the State’s political arena.

 

“We are excited to have Sunny Ojiezele back with us,” Tenebe said. “His return reflects the growing strength of the APC in Edo, and we are certain that his experience and dedication will be invaluable in the years ahead.”

 

Ojiezele’s defection is part of broader political realignments in Edo State, as both major parties continue to jockey for position ahead of future elections. With increasing tension within the PDP, the APC appears poised to consolidate its influence, and the addition of Ojiezele is seen as a significant step in this direction.