A significant political shift is underway in the Edo State House of Assembly, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially claimed the majority status, following the defection of four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Tuesday, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku confirmed receiving a letter from the APC notifying the House of the party’s increased membership.
The letter, though not made public, marked a pivotal moment as the APC now holds 13 seats in the Assembly, while the PDP has 11. Additionally, the Labour Party lost its sole representative to the APC.
The four PDP lawmakers who defected to the APC include Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East).
“Going by this letter, it means APC now has a majority in the House,” Speaker Agbebaku acknowledged, adding, “I want to wish the decampees well, and I wish them good endeavours.”
The letter from the APC, titled Notification of APC Majority Status in the Edo State House of Assembly, also hinted at potential changes in leadership, as the party awaits to officially nominate its principal officers.
This shift is expected to have substantial implications for the governance of the state, with further announcements regarding the House leadership expected in the near future.