Ikimi Political Block Dump PDP For APC in Edo

A political group loyal to former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the “purposeful leadership” of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the primary motivation for their defection.

The development is coming just ahead of a grand rally scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Igueben Palace in Igueben Local Government Area, Edo Central.

The rally will be hosted by retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe, a prominent leader of the APC in Edo Central, and is expected to mark a major show of strength for the ruling party.

In a statement released ahead of the event, the defectors described their move as “a call to greatness” and a bold step towards promoting unity, progress, and good governance in Edo State under the stewardship of Governor Okpebholo.

The group’s defection is set to swell the ranks of the APC as the party prepares for future electoral contests in the state. Saturday’s rally is expected to attract party faithful, top stakeholders, youth groups, women associations, and other supporters who will gather to formally welcome the new entrants.

Political analysts view this latest wave of defections as a major boost for the APC in Edo Central, particularly following the recent defection of Hon. Marcus Onobun, a former PDP member of the House of Representatives, who was also received into the APC by Governor Okpebholo last weekend.

The continued influx of high-profile politicians into the APC signals growing support for Governor Okpebholo’s administration and sets the tone for an intensified political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.