PDP alleges N800m bribery as four lawmakers defect to APC

A political storm is brewing in Edo State as four members of the state House of Assembly on Wednesday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is a move the PDP claims was fueled by a massive N800 million inducement.

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), were officially welcomed into the APC at the party’s secretariat in Benin. They were received by the acting state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, alongside other top party officials.

With this defection, the APC now holds 13 seats in the 24-member Assembly, while the PDP’s numbers have dwindled to 11. The Labour Party also lost its sole lawmaker to the APC, consolidating the ruling party’s growing influence.

The PDP has swiftly condemned the defections, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to “buy” political loyalty at the expense of governance.

“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with N200 million each, four members have now defected, pocketing the money in the process,” said Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary.

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

The PDP’s outrage comes against the backdrop of rising insecurity in Edo State, with reports of at least 40 lives lost in the past two weeks due to violent attacks. Nehikhare criticized the governor’s alleged prioritization of political maneuvers over the urgent need to address the state’s security crisis.

“While insecurity ravages communities, the governor is focused on political horse-trading for his survival, rather than tackling urgent security concerns,” he added.

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For the defecting lawmakers, however, the decision was driven by what they described as internal disarray within the PDP. Speaking on behalf of the group, Richard Edosa said the party’s divisions had made effective governance impossible.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Edosa said. “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.”

Their defection, they claimed, was an alignment with progress and development, not a transaction.

For the APC, the defections mark a significant political victory. Acting Chairman Jarret Tenebe welcomed the new members with enthusiasm, presenting them with the party’s symbolic broom and promising them equal rights and opportunities.

“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.”

Tenebe dismissed the PDP’s accusations of bribery as baseless and defamatory. According to him, the lawmakers’ decision was driven by conviction, not cash.

“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,” he added.

Despite losing ground in the Assembly, the PDP remains defiant. The party insists that Governor Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election was illegitimate and is hopeful that the ongoing election tribunal will overturn the result.

“We are confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice of September 21 and return the stolen mandate to the PDP,” Nehikhare asserted.

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