Edo State House of Assembly member, representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency, Nicholas Asonsere, has dumped Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress, raising the stake for power consolidation.
The lawmaker is one of the benefactors of former Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie who is also a member of his State’s Constituency.
Recall that Osarodion was the running mate to the PDP Candidate in September 21st 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
His defection on Wednesday to the ruling party in the State,
is considered as a necessary step back from the cliff edge and a strategy to lobby for a Principal officer’ position in the 24-member Assembly barring any leadership change.
Asonsere’s defection brings the APC’s representation in the Edo State House of Assembly to 15 members, while the PDP currently has nine seats.
The lawmaker who was received by the State governor, Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday in Government House, Benin City,
cited the developmental strides of the State Government, particularly in his constituency as the reason for his action.
Osonsere said, “When I was a child, I reasoned like a child, but now that I am a man, I must reason like one. I cannot remain on the sidelines while significant development is taking place in my constituency. It is time to support the governor’s vision.
“I cannot remain on the left while the governor is working on the right. It is time for me to join hands with him to ensure that the good work continues”, he said.
After the humiliating defeat of PDP in the election, Asonsere reportedly laid a curse on those who voted against PDP in the election, yet partook from the free lunch at the event organized by Osarodion in honour loyal party faithful and supporters in Benin.
The event was moderated by Eseosa Ewere, former Chief Press Secretary to the elsewhile Chairman of Ikpoba-Okha Council, Eric Osayande late November in 2024.
In a viral video, the visibly angry Asonsere, stirred the hornest nest at the event when Ogie was addressing party faithful who converged on his residence in Aideyan Street, GRA, Benin City.
A mild drama played when Asonsere, threw caution to the wind, declaring, “Whether a man or woman who has come to eat with us today, but voted for APC, and such person is here, he or she shall die of stomach upset”. It shall never be well with such person”.
Unsavory comments by the lawmaker, however did not deter bemused guests, that giggled at the behaviour of the lawmaker who dressed casually to the ceremony where they consumed sumptuous meals and exotic drinks.
In his goodwill message, the host (Ogie), former Secretary to the State Government, appealed to the PDP leaders not to be discourage, stated that their mandate will be restored in court.
TheNewspad recalls that
Candidate of APC in the election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, polled 291,667 votes to beat his closest rival, Candidate of PDP, Asue Ighodalo, who polled a total 247,655 votes at the election that is still a subject of litigation.
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