By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Peoples Democratic Party suffered another setback in Edo State on Wednesday as the honourable member representing Ikpoba-Okha Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Nicholas Asonsere, defected to the All Progressives Congress.
Asonsere was officially received at the APC state secretariat in Benin City by the party’s acting chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, and members of the State Working Committee.
With his defection, the APC now holds 15 seats in the Edo State House of Assembly, while the PDP has been reduced to nine.
Explaining his decision, Asonsere said he was motivated by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s development efforts in his constituency, particularly the flyover road project at Ramat Park.
He added, “I’m here (APC) on self-conviction. That was what I told the governor last (Tuesday) night. I was the one who called him and told him that I wanted to join them (APC). Somebody cannot be developing my immediate constituency, and I’ll be on the left side while it’s on the right hand side.
“The people are represented. So, I need to draw my hands to encourage, to speak to our people so that we give the governor the support to enable him to finish what he has started in my constituency.”
The lawmaker also added that his defection was aimed at fostering unity and progress within the Assembly.
He said, “To my colleagues in the Assembly, I do not want them to begin to see me as a clog in the wheel of progress. Let us begin to push, encourage, and channel the way forward for the state.”
On his part, Tenebe described the lawmaker’s defection as another watershed moment in the political history of Edo State.
He said, “A fresh tsunami has hit the PDP, shaking its foundation once again. With the defection of Hon. Nicholas Asonsere, the PDP has lost one of its most influential voices.”
Tenebe commended the lawmaker for choosing to align with the future and his determination to join Governor Okpebholo in making Edo the envy of all states.
He assured Edo residents that the positive political environment they have long yearned for is finally here, adding, “It is here to stay now that Governor Okpebholo occupies the driver’s seat.”
“And Asonsere’s decision is the defection of a political son of two of the PDP’s leading figures in Edo South: the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and the Campaign Director-General, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen.”