The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Maria Edeko, has formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Edeko represents Esan North-East II constituency in the state legislature.
She served as Deputy Speaker during the closing phase of former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration and in the early days of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s tenure.
Her defection was announced on Monday, December 22, 2025, during plenary by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.
With Edeko’s move, the APC now controls 22 seats in the House, while the PDP is left with only two lawmakers.
The remaining PDP members are Hon. Charity Ighodala, the Minority Leader representing Ovia North-East II constituency, and Hon. Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, who represents Egor constituency.
Agbebaku disclosed that the former Deputy Speaker officially joined the APC over the weekend at her ward in Esan North-East Local Government Area.
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He welcomed her into the ruling party, noting that her defection would open more opportunities for development in her constituency.
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The Speaker recalled that he had earlier issued a warning to opposition lawmakers on December 15, 2025, while announcing the defection of Hon. Frank Omosigo, who represents Oredo East constituency, to the APC.
Defection Attracts Development
According to Agbebaku, remaining in the opposition could make it difficult for lawmakers to attract development projects to their constituencies, urging members to place the interests of their people above personal or party considerations.
“One of our colleagues has just joined the moving train. It is very dangerous for a member of the House to be in opposition,” he said. “If you find yourself in opposition, taking development to your area will be very difficult. It is not about you; it is about your people.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
