Hon. Nicholas Asonsere, the member representing Ikpoba Okha Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection, which brings the number of APC members in the House to 15, was announced at a gathering of APC members in Benin City on Tuesday.
The event was attended by party leaders including the State APC chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, and members of the State Working Committee among other dignitaries.
In a statement issued by the state publicity secretary of the APC, Barr. Peter Uwadiae Igbinigie, the party described the defection as a significant development.
It added that Tenebe, who welcomed Hon. Asonsere, said the lawmaker’s decision to join the APC reflected growing support for the current administration’s policies and direction.
“Hon. Asonsere has played a key role in the PDP, and we welcome his decision to be part of the APC,” Tenebe said. “His move is especially important because of his association with senior PDP figures like the deputy governorship candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and campaign director general, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.”
Tenebe noted that recent developments in the state have led to increased interest in the APC. He credited the performance of Governor Okpebholo’s administration for encouraging defections from the opposition, describing the government as focused on infrastructure and people-centered policies.
He also emphasized that the APC remains open to others who wish to join the party, stressing that politics should be about collective development.
“The olive branch extended by our governor is real,” Tenebe said. “We believe that progress in Edo State depends on working together, regardless of party differences.”
Tenebe assured Hon. Asonsere of the party’s full support and said the APC would provide an environment where his political goals could thrive.
In his brief remarks, Hon. Asonsere thanked the APC leadership and members for the warm welcome. He said his decision was based on his belief in the vision and capacity of the current government to move Edo State forward.
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