The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday announced the appointment of Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West) as the new Majority Leader, following the recent shift in the House’s political dynamics. The All Progressives Congress (APC) now holds a majority with 13 seats, after four lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), reducing the PDP’s seats to 11.
In March, the APC had officially informed the Assembly of its new majority status and indicated that leadership changes would be made accordingly. During the plenary session in Benin on Monday, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku read a letter from the APC leadership, which also nominated Addeh Isibor as Deputy Majority Leader and Mustapha Lecky as Chief Whip.
The position of Deputy Chief Whip, previously assigned to Richard Edosa (APC–Oredo West), was withdrawn, as the House does not officially recognize that position. Edosa, who had defected from the Labour Party to the APC, was affected by this change.
Despite the shift in leadership, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions remain under the control of the PDP, as members of the opposition party continue to hold those roles.
Following the announcement of the new APC leadership, Speaker Agbebaku emphasized that the PDP would also submit its list of principal officers in due course. He called for unity within the Assembly, stressing that the focus should remain on serving the people of Edo State and supporting the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Agbebaku concluded by urging all members, regardless of party affiliation, to work together for the success of the state. “What matters most is that we work together to ensure the success of Governor Okpebholo’s administration,” he said.