From Moshood Karim
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State suffered a major political setback on Wednesday, following the defection of Hon. Nicholas Asonsere, the representative of Ikpoba-Okha State Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The development has been described as a “devastating hurricane” that has further weakened the already diminishing influence of the PDP in the State.
Asonsere’s defection, which took place in Benin City, was received with fanfare by the Edo State chapter of the APC, with top party leaders hailing it as a symbolic collapse of the PDP’s structure in Edo South Senatorial District.
Receiving the defector, the State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, described the move as the “departure of a political son of two PDP-leading figures in Edo South” — referring to Barr. Osarodion Ogie, the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, and Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, the PDP’s Campaign Director General.
Tenebe declared, “What clearer sign do we need that the PDP is collapsing under the weight of its own failures? The unprecedented development strides of the Okpebholo-led government have become a reference point, drawing unimaginable droves from the PDP.”
He continued, “The people of Edo, and especially the APC family, salute the courage and boldness of PDP lawmakers who have invoked the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to join hands with our progressive government in facilitating the rise of a new Edo.”
Tenebe praised Asonsere as a “key voice” who once lent the PDP significant credibility but who has now “chosen to align with the future.”
“We thank him for his resolve and determination to join our dynamic governor in making Edo the envy of all. Let me also reiterate the Governor’s position — the olive branch extended to the opposition is real. The development of Edo requires the cooperation and collaboration of all.”
In a warm welcome, Tenebe also recalled his past political collaboration with Asonsere, saying, “We worked closely together before. I know your relevance and I know your wits. The APC assures you of full support and an enabling environment to further your political aspirations.”
Speaking during the event, Hon. Nicholas Asonsere, who defected alongside his wife, said his decision was born out of both conviction and necessity. He cited Governor Monday Okpebholo’s visible developmental efforts in Ikpoba-Okha and across the State as the catalyst for his move.
“It will not be good for me to be on the left side when the governor is on the right side doing the needful with all the developmental strides happening in my constituency,” Asonsere said.
“I have decided to join my hands with the governor to speak out to our people and give him rousing support to enable him to finish what he started. This is a self-conviction based on what I have seen with my own eyes. The governor’s development efforts have convinced me to join him in taking the state forward.”
The defection was further endorsed by Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West), who serves as the new Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly. Aigbokhan described the move as a significant boost to the House’s unity and mission
“When he made the decision to leave the PDP, we promised to work as a team. You will now see that the vision and mission of this House will be achieved. At the end of the day, the people of Edo will say, ‘Yes, this is a government of capacity,’” Aigbokhan declared.
Political analysts see Asonsere’s defection as yet another blow to the PDP, which has been grappling with internal strife and an exodus of key figures ahead of the upcoming governorship election in the State. Observers say this defection may trigger further alignments and realignments in the Edo political landscape in the months to come.
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