Edo Assembly names Jonathan Aigbokhan as new Majority Leader as APC gains control

The Edo State House of Assembly has appointed Hon. Jonathan Aigbokhan (APC–Esan West) as the new Majority Leader, following the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging as the dominant party in the legislature.

This reshuffling follows a shift in party strength, with four lawmakers defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to the APC, giving the party a slim majority with 13 out of 24 seats. The PDP now controls 11 seats.

During Monday’s plenary in Benin City, Speaker Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku announced the new appointments as communicated by the APC leadership. Alongside Aigbokhan’s appointment, Hon. Addeh Isibor was named Deputy Majority Leader, while Hon. Mustapha Lecky was chosen as Chief Whip.

A planned nomination of Hon. Richard Edosa (APC–Oredo West) for Deputy Chief Whip was withdrawn due to the Assembly’s non-recognition of that office. Edosa recently defected from the Labour Party to the APC.

Despite the APC securing a majority, both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker remain members of the PDP, reflecting a mixed-party leadership structure in the House.

Speaker Agbebaku stated that the PDP is expected to submit its updated list of principal officers soon. He urged lawmakers across all parties to collaborate in the interest of Edo State, particularly in supporting Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.