BREAKING: NDC Emerges As Leading Opposition Party In Edo Assembly After Defections Of APC, PDP Lawmakers

According to report by The Nation on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has become the leading opposition party in the Edo State House of Assembly following the recent defection of some lawmakers from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The development was formally communicated to the Assembly by the Edo State Chairman of the NDC, Engr. Babatunde Olukoga, through a letter addressed to the Speaker, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku.

In the correspondence, Olukoga requested official recognition of three legislators who have joined the party.

The lawmakers identified in the letter include Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarhueghian, representing Ovia North-East I Constituency; Hon. Natasha Osawaru, who represents Egor Constituency; and Hon. Omosigho Uyi Frank, representing Oredo East Constituency.

With the addition of the three legislators, the NDC claimed the position of the principal opposition party in the Assembly.

Consequently, the party proposed a new leadership structure for the minority caucus. It nominated Hon. Natasha Osawaru to serve as Minority Leader, while Hon. Omosigho Uyi Frank was put forward for the position of Minority Whip.

However, the request generated opposition within the House. The Majority Leader, Hon. Jonathan Ibhamawu, challenged the move, insisting that the proper legislative procedures had not been observed.

According to him, lawmakers intending to change political parties must first publicly declare their defection during plenary before any official communication regarding their new affiliation can be considered by the Assembly.

In response to the objection, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku declined to take immediate action on the letter.

He explained that the matter would be set aside temporarily until all constitutional and parliamentary requirements were fulfilled.

The Speaker assured members that the Assembly would revisit the request once the affected lawmakers had formally completed the necessary procedures, paving the way for the House to determine the status of the NDC and its nominated minority leadership officials.