Edo Lawmaker Yekini Idaiye defects to APC, cites developmental drive

Mr. Yekini Idaiye, the representative for Akoko-Edo I in the Edo House of Assembly, has announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Idaiye stated that his decision is primarily motivated by a desire to facilitate greater developmental initiatives within his constituency.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Benin, Idaiye lamented the infrastructural backwardness of Akoko-Edo.

He emphasized that aligning with the ruling party would provide him with the necessary leverage to attract crucial developmental projects to his constituency.

“The APC has always been my home—this feels like a homecoming for me. I returned to the APC for the good of my people,” he said.

The legislator expressed deep concern over the poor state of some infrastructure in his constituency, noting that working in conjunction with the state government would fast-track development.

He rhetorically questioned, “If working with the ruling government will facilitate development in the area, why should I not join the party?”

Idaiye highlighted his extensive experience, having served as a commissioner for two years and now in his sixth year in the House of Assembly, which he believes provides him with the insight to effectively attract government presence to his constituency.

He also detailed several constituency projects he has initiated, including the construction and renovation of classrooms in various communities. “I am currently building a three-classroom block in a community where there was no primary school and the children there trek long distances to community to attain education,” he stated.

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Additionally, he mentioned connecting electricity to new areas and providing boreholes to over 10 communities within his constituency.

Idaiye revealed that he is actively working on rehabilitating the old road leading to his hometown, Somorika, from Igarra.

He also secured approval for the establishment of a junior secondary school in one of his constituency’s communities after renovating a six-classroom block.

 “It’s a community secondary school. I am building it so that the government can take it over. With what I have done, the state government has approved the junior secondary school. I will continue to do my best to see that the senior secondary is also given approval to operate, and by the grace of God, the approval will be given in no time,” he said.

The lawmaker, who asserted that his primary aim in politics is to positively impact lives, pledged to complete key projects and reach all 28 communities in his constituency by the end of 2025.