The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has explained that his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a move aimed at preserving the developmental advantages tied to the speakership position for the benefit of his constituents.
Addressing fellow lawmakers during plenary in Benin City on Wednesday, Agbebaku made it clear that his decision was not driven by party loyalty, but by a desire to sustain the growth of his constituency.
He informed the House of his official crossover, stating, “Distinguished members, I want to formally let this House know that, the Speaker of this House, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC.”
Clarifying his rationale, he said, “For me, it is not about the party, but about the development of our area.
As a speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, means that I am not ready to serve my people.”
He cited the endorsement of his constituents and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ongoing projects in Owan West as factors that reinforced his move.
“I spoke about some of the projects the governor has taken to my area yesterday, and the people of Owan West are very happy,” he said, adding that his people supported the defection because of the tangible developmental progress it has brought.
Agbebaku also dismissed any suggestions of personal gain, describing his political decisions as guided by the collective interest of those who elected him.
“Politics is all about interest, but not my selfish interest—it’s about the interest of my people that gave me the mandate to be here today,” he emphasised.
He reiterated his commitment to fostering unity in the House and expressed the need for healthy opposition to maintain democratic balance. In his words,
“To me, there is no party in this House. We are all working with the governor to take the state to the next level so that the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy.”
