JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The political makeup of the Edo State Assembly changed on Tuesday when three legislators defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), effectively positioning the party as the main opposition in the legislature..
This was reported in a letter sent to the House by the President of the Nigeria Democratic Congress of Edo State, Engr. Babatunde Olukoga, who formally notified the Assembly of the MPs’ defection and called for official recognition of their new party status.
The legislators concerned are the Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarhueghian (Ovia Nord-Est I), Hon. Natasha Osawaru (Egor Constituency) and Hon. Omosigho Uyi Frank (Oredo East constituency). Their defection, if fully ratified, alters the composition of the minority in the House, making the NDC the main opposition bloc.
Olukoga, in the letter, also named Hon. Natasha Osawaru as Minority Leader, while Hon. Omosigho Uyi Frank has been named Minority Whip.
However, the Majority Leader of the Edo State Assembly, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu opposed immediate consideration of the request, arguing that due legislative procedure had not been followed. He argued that lawmakers had to formally announce their defection on the House floor before any party correspondence could be followed up.
Following deliberations, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku withdrew the letter, stipulating that the matter would be reviewed once due process was completed.
Meanwhile, the House has confirmed the appointment of a commissioner appointed by Governor Okpebholo on Monday. The nominee, Mr Kayode Jeffrey Iriabhekha of Owan East Local Government Area, was confirmed after the presentation of a commission report by the Majority Leader.
The Assembly also received another executive communication calling for the confirmation of Mr. Terry Igiebor as the Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Fund and Management Commission. The President referred the request to the House Committee on Rules, Business and Government for further legislative consideration.
Furthermore, the Hon. Ibhamawu presented the calendar of House activities for the first quarter of the fourth session of the 8th Assembly, outlining 51 sitting days scheduled between June and August 2026.
The lawmakers also deliberated on a committee report regarding a bill aimed at repealing existing agricultural laws and establishing a new framework for the Edo State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology.
The report, presented by the Hon. Kaycee Osadolor, recommended sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening agricultural education and research in the state.
Speaker Agbebaku congratulated the members on their third anniversary in office and commended the legislative staff for their service. The Chamber subsequently adjourned the plenary until Monday 29 June 2026.
The defection, however, remains subject to formal procedural validation, leaving the final political realignment within the Assembly awaiting further legislative action.
‘Want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need advertising for a product, service or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Please donate any amount HERE
