Edo Speaker warns lawmakers against opposition parties membership

The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has advised lawmakers against remaining in opposition parties, stating that it can hinder their ability to attract development to their constituencies. Agbebaku made this statement while welcoming Hon. Frank Omosigho, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Agbebaku, being in opposition can make it challenging for lawmakers to bring development to their areas. He emphasized that lawmakers should prioritize the interests of their constituents over personal considerations. The Speaker’s comments came during a plenary session on December 15, 2025, where he congratulated Omosigho on his decision to join the APC, which now has 21 members in the House.

Agbebaku shared his personal experience of facing criticism and insults from his constituents when he defected from the PDP to the APC. However, he noted that his decision has ultimately benefited his people, who are now enjoying the dividends of democracy. The Speaker asserted that being part of the ruling party has enabled him to deliver more development projects to his area.

The defection of Omosigho has significant implications for the balance of power in the Edo State House of Assembly. The APC now holds a majority with 21 members, while the PDP has only three members, including Charity Aiguobarueghia Ighodala, Maria Edeko, and Natasha Osawaru Irobosa.

In other news, the Speaker announced that the state governor, Monday Okpebholo, is scheduled to present the 2026 appropriation bill to the House on December 16, 2025. This development is expected to shape the state’s budget and priorities for the upcoming year. As the Edo State House of Assembly continues to evolve, the dynamics between the ruling and opposition parties will be closely watched, with potential implications for the state’s development and governance.