The PDP accuses Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo of bribing lawmakers with N200 million each to defect to the APC, shifting the political balance in the Assembly

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to induce four members of the Edo State House of Assembly to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Also read: Edo PDP accuses Governor Okpebholo of N2.8 billion bribery scheme to defect lawmakers to APC

The PDP claims that the defecting lawmakers each received N200 million as an inducement to join the ruling party.

The lawmakers—Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East)—officially joined the APC on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Benin, where they were welcomed by the acting Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, and other party leaders.

The defections have shifted the balance of power in the Edo State House of Assembly, with the APC now controlling 13 out of the 24 seats, while the PDP holds 11. The Labour Party also lost its sole lawmaker to the APC in this political shift.

In response to the defections, Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, condemned the actions, alleging that Governor Okpebholo was misappropriating state funds to bribe lawmakers.

“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week, Governor Okpebholo has now successfully bought over PDP lawmakers with N200 million each, and four members have defected, pocketing the money in the process,” Nehikhare said.

The PDP further criticised the governor for prioritising political manoeuvring over pressing issues of governance, particularly amid escalating insecurity in Edo State.

Nehikhare pointed out that in the last two weeks, at least 40 lives had been lost to insecurity in various communities.

“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,” Nehikhare added.

The defecting lawmakers defended their decision, blaming internal crises within the PDP for their departure. Richard Edosa, who spoke on behalf of the group, expressed confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s leadership and vision for the state.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Edosa stated. “We believe in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and have decided to join him in achieving his plans for Edo State. We promise to work with him to build both the party and the state.”

Welcoming the defecting lawmakers, APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe described the move as a significant boost for the party, emphasising their experience and commitment to the APC’s vision for the state.

“These honourable members, who bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, have recognised that the APC offers the most promising path forward for Edo State and Nigeria,” Tenebe said. “They have seen the clarity of our policies, the integrity of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of Edo people.”

Dismissing the PDP’s bribery allegations, Tenebe maintained that the lawmakers defected out of conviction and not financial incentives.

He added, “This is not merely about increasing our numbers but strengthening our collective resolve. We value every member’s contribution and are confident that our new lawmakers will play a vital role in our journey toward success.”

The APC also presented the defectors with brooms, the official symbol of the party, further solidifying their new affiliation.

Despite the setback in the House of Assembly, the PDP remains hopeful that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will reverse Governor Okpebholo’s victory.