By Jude Opara
Blessing Agbebaku, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday said he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), for the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in order to retain his position as Speaker.
Peoples Daily reports that Agbebaku, representing Owan West constituency, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 defected to the APC.
Officially informing the House of his defection during the plenary on Wednesday, Agbebaku said he defected to retain the benefits of the speakership position, for the development of his constituency.
“I want to formally let this House know that yesterday, the Speaker of this House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, defected to the APC.
“My decision was not about party allegiance but rather about the growth, development and progress of my area.
“As a Speaker, if I throw away this position because of the party, the position that would enhance development in my area, it means that I am not ready to serve my people. My constituents were in support of my decision.
“I spoke about some of the projects the governor took to my area yesterday, and the people of Owan West are very happy.
“On that note, I took that decision, and I think to a large extent, my people are happy about it,” he said.
He further posited that his defection was not driven by personal gains but by a commitment to the welfare of those who elected him.
He opined that politics is all about the interest of the people that gave him the mandate to represent them at the State House of Assembly.
While reaffirming his commitment to unity within the Assembly, he stated that there was a need to also have opposition in the House.
Agbebaku pledged that the House would continue to work together in the interest of Edo people.
“We are all working with the governor to take the state to the next level so that the people will enjoy the dividends of democracy. So, the issue of party affiliations should not arise. To me, there is no party in this House,” he added.
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