The All Progressives Congress (APC) has gained control of the Edo State House of Assembly, following the defection of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker, Nicholas Asonsere, representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency, to the ruling party. With this development, APC now holds 15 out of the 24 seats in the assembly, while the PDP is left with only nine lawmakers.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, during a meeting at the Government House in Benin, predicted the eventual collapse of the PDP in the state, suggesting that more of its members would soon join the APC. His comments came as he welcomed Asonsere into the APC fold, reinforcing the growing strength of the ruling party in the state.
In the 2023 general election, the PDP secured 15 seats in the Edo State House of Assembly, with the APC winning eight, and the Labour Party (LP) claiming one. However, since the November 12, 2024 inauguration of Governor Okpebholo, a significant number of opposition politicians have defected to the APC, strengthening its dominance.
Despite the defections, PDP's Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku (Owan West Constituency), and Deputy Speaker, Maria Edeko (Esan Northeast II), have so far remained in their positions, with no indication of their intention to join the APC.
Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the new APC members, assuring them that the party offers equal opportunities for all, regardless of their previous affiliations, and emphasized that they would be given a platform to contribute to the state’s development.
