The Peoples Democratic Party has faced another political blow in Edo State as Nicholas Asonsere, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency, officially joined the All Progressives Congress on Wednesday.
The defection took place at the APC state secretariat in Benin City, where Asonsere was received by the party’s acting chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, along with other members of the State Working Committee. With his move to the APC, the party now controls 15 out of the 24 seats in the Edo State House of Assembly, reducing the PDP’s strength to just nine lawmakers.
Asonsere shared his reasons for joining the APC, pointing to the visible development projects in his constituency under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership. He noted that the construction of the flyover at Ramat Park played a key role in influencing his decision.
“I’m here (APC) on self-conviction. That was what I told the governor last (Tuesday) night. I was the one who called him and told him that I wanted to join them (APC). Somebody cannot be developing my immediate constituency, and I’ll be on the left side while it’s on the right hand side,” he said.
Asonsere added that he wants to support the progress being made and help ensure that the governor completes all ongoing projects in his area. He also noted that his defection was part of a larger effort to promote unity and development within the Assembly.
“To my colleagues in the Assembly, I do not want them to begin to see me as a clog in the wheel of progress. Let us begin to push, encourage, and channel the way forward for the state,” he said.
Reacting to the defection, APC’s acting chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, described the move as a major development in Edo politics. He noted that the PDP continues to lose ground in the state and described Asonsere’s exit as a big win for the APC.
“A fresh tsunami has hit the PDP, shaking its foundation once again. With the defection of Hon. Nicholas Asonsere, the PDP has lost one of its most influential voices,” Tenebe said.
He also praised Asonsere for aligning himself with the APC’s vision for Edo and expressed confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s leadership. According to Tenebe, the state is now experiencing the positive political change that citizens have been waiting for.
“It is here to stay now that Governor Okpebholo occupies the driver’s seat,” he said.
Tenebe also noted that Asonsere’s defection carries extra political weight, given his connections to top PDP figures in Edo South, including the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and campaign director-general, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.
