The political landscape in Edo State is witnessing a significant shift, as Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has predicted the collapse of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. This comes after the defection of Nicholas Asonsere, a prominent lawmaker representing the Ikpoba-Okha constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, to the ruling APC.
Asonsere’s defection to the APC was made official on Wednesday during a special reception held at the Government House, where Governor Okpebholo welcomed him and other recent defectors. The defection marks a turning point in the state’s political dynamics, as the APC now controls 15 seats in the state legislature, while the PDP holds only 9.
Governor Okpebholo, during the reception, expressed his gratitude to Asonsere for joining the APC and assured him and other defectors of full integration into the party’s activities. The governor emphasized that the APC represents “unlimited opportunities” and that the new members would not face discrimination but would be given ample room to contribute to the state’s development.
Governor Okpebholo’s Vision for Edo’s Future
Reflecting on his own political journey, Okpebholo shared his personal experience of initially not intending to run for office, but being encouraged by well-meaning supporters to step forward. He confidently stated, “Very soon, the PDP will collapse in Edo because of what APC represents—vision, unity, and development.”
The governor also highlighted his administration’s focus on delivering sustainable development, leveraging the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Federal Allocations for key infrastructure and social projects. Okpebholo’s words signaled his determination to further weaken the opposition as he consolidated the APC’s control in the state.
Earlier, Asonsere was officially received into the APC at the party’s state secretariat by Jarret Tenebe, the state chairman of the APC. Tenebe referred to Asonsere’s defection as a “watershed moment” in Edo’s political history, signaling the gradual disintegration of the PDP’s stronghold in the state. He noted that Asonsere was a key figure in sustaining the PDP’s relevance in Edo South and that his exit was a significant blow to the opposition party.
Asonsere himself expressed his reasons for defecting, emphasizing the visible development projects taking place in his constituency, including the ongoing construction of a flyover. “How can I stand on the opposing side while development is happening? That would mean I’m not serious about serving my people,” he remarked. His decision reflects the growing discontent within the PDP ranks, as many lawmakers are beginning to shift alliances in response to the APC’s development-focused agenda.
The defection has not been without controversy. The PDP’s state Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, swiftly reacted, vowing that the party would challenge Asonsere’s defection in court. Nehikhare argued that such defections by elected officials, who gain prominence using one political platform only to abandon it for another, should be legally questioned. “We’ve decided to challenge these defections in court,” Nehikhare declared, reiterating the party’s stance on protecting its political positions through legal means.
This defection is the latest in a series of political realignments in Edo State, where the APC appears to be gaining ground at the expense of the PDP. The party’s internal crises, including leadership disputes and allegations of mismanagement, have been cited as factors leading to the erosion of support within the PDP.
Governor Okpebholo’s prediction of the PDP’s eventual collapse in Edo hinges on the strategic defections and the increasing popularity of the APC’s developmental initiatives. As more lawmakers and political figures cross over to the APC, the opposition party is finding it harder to maintain its influence in the state.
The APC’s current dominance in the state legislature and its growing political strength could set the stage for future elections in Edo, as the APC aims to secure even greater control over the state’s political landscape.
The defection of Nicholas Asonsere to the APC is just the latest development in a long-running political battle between the two major parties in Edo State. Governor Okpebholo’s prediction of the PDP’s collapse reflects the growing momentum behind the APC, which has capitalized on its development agenda and unity within the party. However, the PDP is unlikely to go down without a fight, and the legal challenges to defections suggest that the political battle in Edo is far from over. With the next election cycle looming, all eyes will be on the shifting allegiances and the strategies that both parties will employ to secure their hold on the state.