SPEAKER AGBEBAKU DEFECTS TO APC, CITES CONSTITUENTS’ WELFARE
In a major political development that underscores the shifting power dynamics in Edo State, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, has officially announced his defection from
the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on the floor of the Assembly during plenary, Agbebaku said his decision was based on a desire to secure continued development for his Owan West constituency rather than party loyalty.
According to the Speaker, remaining in the PDP while holding the office of Speaker in an APC-led administration would have limited his ability to deliver critical infrastructure and social programs to his constituents. “If I abandon this position for the sake of partisanship, I will be doing a disservice to my people,” he declared. He said his constituents support his decision, especially given the tangible projects Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has already executed in his constituency.
Agbebaku insisted that his move was not driven by personal gain, but by a commitment to the mandate given to him by the people of Owan West. He also stressed the need for cooperation within the Assembly, regardless of party affiliation. “To me, there are no party lines in this House—we are all here to serve the people of Edo,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the same session, lawmakers debated and passed through second reading a bill seeking to establish the St. Mathews Royal College of Nursing Science in Edenu-Irrua, Esan Central. The bill, if passed into law, will further expand health education infrastructure in the state and create more opportunities for professional training in the medical field.
