(DDM) – The immediate Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Maria Edeko, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The lawmaker, who represents Esan North-East II Constituency, confirmed her defection amid growing political realignments in Edo State.
Hon Maria Edeko was Deputy Speaker during the period when the Edo State House of Assembly was dominated by the PDP.
Her tenure as Deputy Speaker coincided with the twilight of the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
She also served in the early months of the current administration led by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The defection marks another significant political shift within the Edo State legislature.
Edeko’s move is widely seen as a boost for the ruling APC in the state.
Political observers say her defection could further alter the balance of power within the House of Assembly.
The PDP had maintained dominance in the legislature during the latter years of Obaseki’s administration.
However, recent developments suggest a gradual erosion of that dominance.
Hon Maria Edeko is regarded as a prominent political figure in Esan North-East Local Government Area.
Her political influence extends beyond the legislature into grassroots mobilisation.
Supporters describe her as a seasoned lawmaker with strong constituency ties.
Her decision to leave the PDP has sparked reactions across political circles in Edo State.
Some PDP members expressed disappointment over her departure.
Others described the defection as a betrayal of party loyalty.
However, APC supporters welcomed her with enthusiasm.
They described her move as a validation of the APC-led government in Edo State.
Sources within the APC said her defection was the result of extensive consultations.
They noted that discussions had been ongoing for several weeks before the announcement.
The APC leadership reportedly assured Edeko of inclusion and recognition within the party.
Political analysts say defections often reflect deeper internal challenges within parties.
In Edo State, the PDP has faced internal divisions since the end of Obaseki’s tenure.
Leadership struggles and factional disagreements have continued to weaken party cohesion.
The APC, on the other hand, has been consolidating power following its electoral victory.
Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has attracted several politicians from opposition parties.
Observers say this trend could strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.
Defections in Nigerian politics are often influenced by shifting power dynamics.
Lawmakers frequently align with parties they believe offer better political prospects.
Such moves are also driven by access to resources and political relevance.
The Edo State House of Assembly has experienced multiple leadership changes in recent times.
These changes reflect broader political transitions within the state.
Hon Maria Edeko’s defection adds another layer to these transitions.
Background checks show that Esan North-East II constituency has remained politically competitive.
Both major parties have historically enjoyed significant support in the area.
Edeko’s move could therefore influence voter alignment in future elections.
Some constituents have expressed mixed reactions to the development.
While some pledged continued support for her leadership, others questioned her party switch.
Civil society groups have urged lawmakers to prioritise constituents over party interests.
They stressed that defection should not disrupt legislative responsibilities.
Nigeria’s constitution permits lawmakers to defect under certain conditions.
However, frequent defections have continued to raise ethical and political debates.
Critics argue that such moves undermine ideological consistency.
Supporters insist that defections are part of democratic freedom of association.
The PDP leadership in Edo State has yet to issue a detailed response.
Party officials are expected to review the implications of the defection.
The APC has continued to position itself as the dominant political force in the state.
Political analysts say more defections could occur in the coming months.
They attribute this to ongoing political recalibration ahead of future elections.
Hon Maria Edeko has not publicly detailed her reasons for leaving the PDP.
However, close associates say her decision was driven by the need to align with the ruling structure.
They added that she intends to continue serving her constituents effectively.
As Edo State politics evolves, her defection remains a major talking point.
The development underscores the fluid nature of party politics in Nigeria.
For now, attention remains on how the shift will impact legislative activities in the state.