BERNADETTE IDALU
Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Okiye, has described the wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a sign of growing political realignment in Edo State, driven by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership.
Speaking on the recent influx of top politicians into the APC, Okiye urged Edo citizens to prepare for positive change, attributing the movement to the governor’s people-focused governance and ability to attract key political figures.
Okiye emphasised that politics is a numbers game, and as more politicians align with the APC, decision-making will increasingly reflect the electorate’s will.
He noted that Governor Okpebholo has not only welcomed defectors personally, but has also demonstrated an uncommon ability to bring influential individuals into the party.
This, he argued, is a testament to the governor’s acceptability and leadership style.
The defections have also sparked debate over the leadership of the Edo State House of Assembly, with the Edo North Conscience (ENC) group, a key political group within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), calling for Speaker Hon. Blessing Agbebaku to step down due to his minority status in the House, arguing that his continued leadership contradicts the party’s values.
The group claims his tenure was built on a foundation of discord and that his loyalty remains with the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), despite the APC now holding a majority in the House with 13 seats to the PDP’s 11.
At a high-stakes stakeholders’ meeting in Auchi, Etsako West, ENC members expressed their dissatisfaction with Agbebaku’s role in past electoral conflicts, accusing him of orchestrating violence against APC members during the state assembly elections.
The group also referenced alleged intimidation tactics by PDP leaders, including former Governor Godwin Obaseki, ahead of the September 2024 elections.
In a communique signed by ENC leader, Mr Oshioke Aledeh and Secretary, Mr Tunde Balogun, the group vowed to escalate their campaign to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key APC stakeholders.
They insist that the Speaker’s position should reflect the new APC majority in the House.
However, Okiye dismissed these calls, stating that House leadership is not solely determined by party majority.
He explained that once the House is inaugurated, it functions as an independent institution where members elect their leader based on capacity rather than party affiliation.
He further clarified that maintaining the Speakership requires a two-thirds majority vote, meaning party numbers alone are not the deciding factor.
Hon. Donald Okogbe, representing Akoko Edo Constituency 2, shared a similar perspective, stating that defections are a natural part of political realignment.
He argued that politicians primarily seek avenues to secure development projects for their constituencies, and many are joining the APC because they see Governor Okpebholo as a leader capable of delivering on governance.
According to Okogbe, representatives from less developed areas are particularly eager to align with the ruling party to ensure their communities benefit from ongoing projects.
Addressing concerns about a potential power shift in the House due to the APC’s growing majority, Okogbe acknowledged that political realignments often lead to changes in leadership.
However, he assured that any transition would be managed peacefully, with both majority and minority members maintaining representation.
He also pointed out that many defections stem from internal divisions within opposition parties, underscoring the need for stronger internal democracy and leadership that listens to party members.
