A Political Shake-Up in Edo State
The Edo State House of Assembly is facing a significant political upheaval as the All Progressives Congress (APC) asserts its newfound majority status. This development has sparked calls for the removal of the current Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who belongs to the minority Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A group known as the Edo North Conscience (ENC) has taken the lead in demanding Agbebaku’s impeachment, arguing that his continued leadership is no longer tenable given the shift in the Assembly’s political dynamics.
The Catalyst: Defections and a New Majority
The controversy stems from the recent defection of four lawmakers from opposition parties to the APC. Last week, three PDP members—Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo II), Sunday Ojiezele (Esan South-East Constituency), and Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon II)—alongside one Labour Party member, Richard Edosa (Oredo West), crossed over to the ruling party. This move has altered the balance of power in the Assembly, with the APC now holding 13 seats compared to the PDP’s 11.
In a statement signed by ENC Chairman Mr. Oshioke Aledeh and Secretary Mr. Tunde Balogun, the group emphasized that the APC’s majority status entitles it to control key leadership positions in the House, including the speakership. “As it stands now, APC is the majority in the House with 13 members, while PDP has 11. This gives APC an edge over other parties regarding the principal officers of the House,” the statement read.
The Call for Impeachment: A Political Battle Unfolds
The ENC has vowed to initiate impeachment proceedings against Speaker Agbebaku, accusing him of being out of sync with the current political reality. The group contends that Agbebaku’s continued retention of the speakership, despite belonging to a minority party, undermines the principles of democratic representation and effective governance.
“Blessing Agbebaku’s continued retention of the speakership position, despite belonging to a minority party, is not in the best interest of the House and the state,” the ENC stated. The group also questioned Agbebaku’s loyalty, alleging that he remains aligned with the PDP despite his public appearances with APC Governor Monday Okpebholo.
APC’s Formal Notification: A Step Toward Change
The state chapter of the APC has already taken formal steps to assert its majority status. On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, the party leadership sent a letter to Speaker Agbebaku, notifying him of the change in the Assembly’s composition. Agbebaku confirmed receipt of the letter during a plenary session, acknowledging the APC’s new majority status.
This notification has set the stage for a potential leadership reshuffle, with the APC expected to push for the election of one of its members as Speaker. The ENC has urged the party to act swiftly, stating, “They should commence the process of removing Hon. Agbebaku to pave the way for an APC Speaker in the House.”
Implications for Governance: Stability or Chaos?
The push to remove Speaker Agbebaku has raised concerns about the potential impact on governance in Edo State. While the APC argues that its majority status justifies a change in leadership, critics warn that an impeachment process could lead to political instability and distract from pressing legislative priorities.
The situation is further complicated by the delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. Governor Okpebholo, an APC member, may face challenges in maintaining a harmonious relationship with the Assembly if the speakership battle escalates into a full-blown political crisis.
A Broader Political Context: Defections and Realignments
The defections that triggered this crisis are part of a broader trend of political realignments in Nigeria. In recent months, several high-profile politicians have switched parties, often citing ideological differences or the pursuit of personal ambitions. These defections have reshaped the political landscape in various states, with significant implications for governance and party dynamics.
In Edo State, the defection of four lawmakers to the APC has not only altered the balance of power in the Assembly but also highlighted the fluid nature of political loyalties. As parties jostle for control, the focus on governance and development risks being overshadowed by partisan maneuvering.
A Test of Democratic Principles
The unfolding drama in the Edo State House of Assembly serves as a test of Nigeria’s democratic principles. While the APC’s majority status entitles it to claim key leadership positions, the process of removing Speaker Agbebaku must be conducted transparently and in accordance with the rule of law. Any missteps could undermine public confidence in the political system and exacerbate tensions within the state.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on the Assembly to see whether it can navigate this crisis without compromising its legislative duties. For now, the call for Agbebaku’s removal remains a contentious issue, with the potential to reshape Edo State’s political landscape in the months ahead.