From Moshood KARIM
A fresh wave of political realignment swept through Edo State on Wednesday as Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi, a member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing Uhunmwode Constituency, officially announced his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement, made during a well-attended event in Benin City, marks yet another blow to the PDP in the State, which has recently struggled with internal strife and dwindling influence. The defection was received with open arms by top APC officials, including the Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, who hailed the move as both strategic and symbolic.
Speaking at the event, Tenebe praised the developmental strides recorded under the leadership of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He argued that the rapid progress made by the current administration has left opposition parties in disarray.
“In just a few months in office, the unprecedented developmental strides recorded under Senator Okpebholo’s administration have caused opposition political parties to fade into political oblivion,” he said. “It is only fitting that we stand and give three hearty cheers to our Governor!”
Tenebe commended Osamwonyi for what he described as a courageous and constitutionally-backed decision to join the APC. Quoting Section 68, Subsection 1(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, he said the law recognises such defections where internal divisions exist within a political party.
“The decision by Hon. Kaycee Osamwonyi to defect from the PDP to the APC was informed by the irreconcilable crisis and internal quagmire that have plagued his former party – conditions which have made the realisation of their political goals impossible,” Tenebe explained.
He further emphasised that Osamwonyi’s decision reflects a strong commitment to advancing the interests of his constituents and to aligning with the APC’s Renewed Hope agenda. “As our Governor has always said, the doors of the APC are wide open to all well-meaning Edo sons and daughters who wish to key into this transformative movement,” he added.
Responding to the welcome, Hon. Osamwonyi described his defection as a “homecoming”, likening himself to a prodigal son returning to his roots.
“It’s more like a prodigal son. So I’m back home,” he declared. “My decision to join the APC today is as a result of the division in the People’s Democratic Party from the national level to the State level. Most importantly, during my campaign, I made a strong promise to the good people of my constituency that their interest would come before mine—and this move reflects their will.”
According to Osamwonyi, the decision was made following consultations with key stakeholders and the people of Uhunmwode, who, he said, overwhelmingly supported the switch.
“I also made a strong promise that I joined politics to attract dividends of democracy to my people. And with all the developmental strides of our dear Governor—road infrastructure, school infrastructure, people infrastructure—I know I must be in the same political party with my Governor to make those promises a reality,” he stated.
Wednesday’s event also featured the swearing-in of Hon. Solomon Odemwingie as the new APC Chairman for Ovia North East Local Government Area. The occasion drew a significant political crowd, including several members of the Edo State House of Assembly and Hon. Abdullai Bello, Chairman of the APC in Kogi State.
Political analysts suggest that Osamwonyi’s defection may be the beginning of a broader shift ahead of future elections, as cracks within the PDP continue to widen. With Edo State fast becoming a key battleground in the nation’s political discourse, all eyes remain on further developments in the months ahead.
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