The Egor lawmaker takes up the opposition leadership role months after leaving the PDP for the National Democratic Congress
Natasha Osawaru, the Edo State House of Assembly member representing Egor Constituency and wife of Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has emerged as the Assembly’s minority leader following a leadership reshuffle announced during plenary on Monday.
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Osawaru’s emergence gives her a prominent opposition role in the Edo legislature, months after she left the Peoples Democratic Party for the National Democratic Congress in May 2026.
The lawmaker confirmed the development in a statement shared on her Facebook page, describing the new position as a responsibility rather than a ceremonial title.
“This new responsibility is not a title; it is a trust. Our democracy thrives on rigorous debate, accountability, and the courage to advocate for the ordinary citizen without compromise,” Osawaru said.
Her elevation followed a comprehensive reshuffle of the principal leadership positions in the Edo State House of Assembly.
As minority leader, Osawaru will occupy a key position in the Assembly’s opposition structure, with responsibility for helping coordinate the minority caucus and articulate its position on legislative matters.
The appointment adds a new dimension to the political profile of the Egor lawmaker, whose move from the PDP to the NDC in May had already attracted attention within Edo’s political landscape.
Her defection came amid a period of political realignment in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, with politicians across different levels moving between political platforms as parties position themselves for the next electoral cycle.
Osawaru’s emergence as minority leader also comes while public attention remains focused on her marriage to 2Baba, amid reports of an ongoing marital crisis involving the couple.
The relationship has generated considerable public interest, particularly after 2Baba made public statements about challenges surrounding their marriage.
Osawaru, however, has continued to maintain a political profile through her legislative responsibilities in Edo.
Her latest appointment places those responsibilities firmly at the centre of attention.
The lawmaker’s statement also sought to frame the new role around accountability and representation rather than personal prominence.
By describing the position as a “trust”, Osawaru emphasised what she sees as the responsibility of an opposition lawmaker to scrutinise government decisions and advocate for constituents.
Her call for “rigorous debate” and accountability suggests that she intends to use the position to strengthen the minority caucus’s role in legislative oversight.
The Edo Assembly’s latest leadership changes come at a politically significant period, with parties and lawmakers increasingly turning their attention towards the 2027 elections.
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For Osawaru, the new position represents a significant step in her legislative career and places her among the Assembly’s principal voices as the state prepares for another politically consequential election cycle.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
