Natasha Idibia Declares Presidential Ambition in Edo

Natasha Osawaru Idibia, the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, announced her ambition to become President of Nigeria while celebrating her grandfather, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, on his 92nd birthday in Benin City, Edo State. In her emotional address, she expressed deep affection for her grandfather and vowed to achieve the presidency while he is still alive, stating, “I promise you that I’ll be the president of this country before you know it.” Natasha represents the Egor Constituency and recently transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party to the National Democratic Congress in May 2026.

Following her defection, she was appointed Minority Leader after a reshuffling of the Assembly’s leadership. Natasha described her new role as a trust rather than a title, emphasizing the importance of accountability and advocacy for ordinary citizens.

The NDC became the main opposition party in the Edo Assembly after three lawmakers defected from the APC and PDP.