Edo Assembly Appoints New Majority Leader, Chief Whip As APC Takes Control

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

The APC secured majority status in March after four lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), giving the APC 13 seats, while the PDP now holds 11.

During Monday’s plenary session in Benin City, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, read a letter from the APC leadership announcing new principal officers.

The appointments include:

• Majority Leader: Jonathan Aigbokhan
• Deputy Majority Leader: Addeh Isibor
• Chief Whip: Mustapha Lecky

A previously announced Deputy Chief Whip position, assigned to Richard Edosa (APC–Oredo West), was withdrawn as the House does not officially recognize the role. Edosa had recently defected from the LP to join the APC.

Despite the shift in party dynamics, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions remain held by members of the minority PDP.

Speaker Agbebaku acknowledged the leadership changes and stated that the PDP would also submit its list of principal officers. He urged all members to prioritize unity and service to the state.

“What matters is that we all work together to ensure the success of Governor Monday Okpebholo,” Agbebaku said.