Defection Drama: Owan West APC Hands Agbebaku Tough Conditions

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owan West local government area of Edo State has set conditions for the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, before he can join the party.

The party insisted on formal processes and reconciliation prior to his participation in party activities.

At the end of an enlarged emergency meeting held yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Sabongida-Ora, the stakeholders resolved that the speaker must formally decamp at both his ward and local government levels before being considered for acceptance.

The meeting, attended by top party functionaries—including LGA chairman, Hon. Frank David, secretary Evien Aigbokhai, former House of Representatives member Hon. Johnson Abolagba, ward executives and other stakeholders—further directed that Agbebaku must fully integrate into the existing party framework at the local government level.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the party leadership stated that “the Speaker must tender an unreserved apology to individuals he allegedly brutalised, maligned, or dehumanised during the governorship election,” stressing that respect for party leadership remains non-negotiable.

The stakeholders added that only upon meeting the outlined conditions would the Speaker be allowed to participate in the party’s internal processes, including contesting for the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) ticket alongside other aspirants.

The meeting also reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, declaring that “no aspirant will be endorsed,” in line with the provisions of the party constitution, while warning against any form of external interference in the affairs of the local government chapter.

The party leadership further reiterated its resolve to strengthen its structure ahead of future elections and contribute to the party’s national targets, while commending Monday Okpebholo for what it described as his developmental strides across Edo State’s three senatorial districts.