APC now holds majority in Edo State House of Assembly after four PDP lawmakers defected, with leadership changes expected soon
A significant political shift has unfolded in the Edo State House of Assembly following a letter from the All Progressives Congress (APC), confirming its new majority status.
The development comes after four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the APC, marking a new phase in the state’s legislative landscape.
On Tuesday, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku confirmed that the APC had formally notified the Assembly of its increased membership. The letter, which was not made public, heralds a major change in the balance of power in the House.
The PDP lawmakers who switched allegiance to the APC are Donald Okugbe, representing Akoko Edo Constituency II; Bright Iyamu, representing Orhionmwon South Constituency II; Richard Edosa, representing Oredo West Constituency; and Sunday Ojezele, representing Esan South East.
This move has altered the composition of the House, giving the APC a total of 13 members, compared to the PDP’s 11.
In addition to these defections, the Labour Party also saw its lone representative join the APC, further consolidating the latter’s dominant position.
The letter sent by the APC was titled “Notification of APC Majority Status in the Edo State House of Assembly” and formally communicated the party’s new majority standing.
Speaker Agbebaku acknowledged the change, stating, “Going by this letter, it means APC now has a majority in the House.”
He extended his best wishes to the defected lawmakers, adding, “I want to wish the decampees well, and I wish them good endeavours.”
With the APC now holding a clear majority, attention is turning to the future leadership structure of the Assembly.
The Speaker revealed that he was awaiting another communication from the APC, which will include the official nomination of its principal officers.
This is expected to pave the way for further leadership changes in the coming days, as the APC prepares to assert its influence in the legislative body.
As political analysts continue to monitor the situation, this shift in power could have significant implications for the governance of Edo State, particularly in terms of the Assembly’s legislative priorities and decision-making processes.
With the APC now firmly in control, the stage is set for an impending reshuffle that will shape the direction of the House of Assembly in the months ahead.
