PDP Alleges Edo Lawmakers Were Bribed ₦200 Million Each To Join APC

Defections Shake Edo Politics as PDP Accuses Governor of Bribery

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of bribing lawmakers with ₦200 million each to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This allegation follows the defection of four PDP lawmakers to the APC, a move that has altered the balance of power in the Edo State House of Assembly.

The defecting lawmakers—Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East Constituency)—were officially welcomed into the APC at the party’s secretariat in Benin.

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PDP Condemns Governor Okpebholo’s Alleged Bribery

Reacting to the defections, PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, strongly criticized Governor Okpebholo, accusing him of misusing public funds to secure political loyalty.

“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with ₦200 million each, four members have now defected, pocketing the money in the process,” Nehikhare said in a statement.

He warned that the misuse of government resources for political gains would have consequences.

“We frown at this wanton waste of state resources and warn that misappropriation of government funds attracts severe consequences. Okpebholo will eventually account for this reckless expenditure,” he added.

Security Concerns Ignored Amid Political Maneuvering

Nehikhare further accused the governor of focusing on political survival rather than addressing urgent security challenges in the state.

“While insecurity ravages communities, claiming at least 40 lives in the last two weeks, the governor is focused on political horse-trading for his survival, rather than tackling urgent security concerns,” he said.

APC Gains Majority as Lawmakers Defect

The lawmakers who switched allegiance were received by acting Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, along with other party leaders. Their defection has reshaped the Edo State Assembly’s composition, giving the APC a stronger presence.

With these new additions, the APC now controls 13 seats in the 24-member Assembly, while the PDP holds 11 seats. The Labour Party, which previously had one lawmaker, also lost its sole representative to the APC.

Implications for Edo State Politics

The defections mark a significant shift in Edo’s political landscape, strengthening the APC’s grip on the state legislature. However, the PDP’s allegations of bribery raise serious concerns about the integrity of the political process.

As the battle for control over Edo State intensifies ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial election, both parties are expected to engage in further political maneuvers. Meanwhile, calls for transparency and accountability in governance continue to grow.