Edo Assembly names new majority leader amid APC takeover

The Edo State House of Assembly has appointed Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West) as its new Majority Leader, following a significant power shift that now places the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the majority.

This political shake-up follows the defection of four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the APC, giving the party 13 out of the 24 seats in the House. With this new majority status, the APC formally notified the Assembly in March of its intent to reorganize the House leadership.

At Monday’s plenary session held in Benin City, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku read out a communication from the APC leadership, which also announced Hon. Addeh Isibor as the new Deputy Majority Leader and Hon. Mustapha Lecky as the Chief Whip.

A planned appointment of Hon. Richard Edosa (APC–Oredo West) as Deputy Chief Whip was withdrawn, as the Assembly does not officially recognize the position. Edosa had recently switched allegiance from the LP to the APC.

Despite the APC gaining the majority, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Assembly remain members of the PDP, highlighting a unique leadership dynamic in the House.

Speaker Agbebaku noted that the PDP is expected to submit its list of new principal officers soon and emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation across party lines.

Our focus must remain on working together for the progress of Edo State and supporting the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.