The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused four Edo State House of Assembly members of receiving N200 million each as an incentive to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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.
They were welcomed by the acting Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, along with other party leaders.
Following this defection, the APC now holds 13 out of the 24 seats in the Assembly, while the PDP has 11. The Labour Party also lost its sole lawmaker to the APC.
The PDP strongly condemned the defections, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to bribe lawmakers.
Chris Nehikhare, the publicity secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, stated, “Last week, our party raised concerns that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with N200 million each. Now, four members have defected, having allegedly received the money.
He criticized the move as a “wanton waste of state resources” and warned that the misuse of government funds carries serious consequences, adding that Okpebholo will eventually be held accountable for this reckless spending.
Nehikhare also criticized Governor Okpebholo for prioritizing political realignment over governance, especially amid rising insecurity in Edo State.
“While insecurity devastates communities, claiming at least 40 lives in the past two weeks, the governor is more concerned with political horse-trading for his survival rather than addressing urgent security issues,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the defecting lawmakers defended their decision, attributing their departure to internal crises within the PDP.
A house divided against itself cannot stand,” said Richard Edosa, speaking on behalf of the defecting lawmakers. “We believe in Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision and have chosen to join him in realizing his plans for Edo State. We are committed to working with him to strengthen both the party and the state.”
Welcoming the lawmakers, APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe described their defection as a significant boost for the ruling party, assuring them of equal rights and privileges within the APC.
“These honorable members, who bring valuable experience and diverse perspectives, have recognized that the APC offers the best path forward for Edo State and Nigeria,” Tenebe stated. “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.”
He dismissed the PDP’s bribery allegations, insisting that the lawmakers defected out of genuine conviction, not financial inducement.
This is not just about increasing our numbers but about reinforcing our collective resolve. We value every member’s contribution and are confident that our new lawmakers will play a crucial role in our journey toward success,” Tenebe added.
He then presented the lawmakers with brooms, the official symbol of the APC.
As the APC strengthens its grip on the Edo State Assembly, the PDP remains hopeful that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will overturn Okpebholo’s victory.
Nehikhare reiterated the party’s stance that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was the rightful winner of the September 21 election, vowing that the PDP would reclaim its mandate.
“We are confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice of September 21 and restore the stolen mandate to the PDP,” he stated.
