The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that four members of the Edo State House of Assembly received N200 million each as inducement to switch their allegiance 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 at the party’s secretariat in Benin. They were welcomed by the acting Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, along with other party leaders.
With this defection, the APC now holds 13 seats in the 24-member Assembly, while the PDP retains 11. The Labour Party also lost its only lawmaker to the APC recently.
In a swift response, the PDP condemned the defections, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to bribe lawmakers. “Our party raised alarms last week that Governor Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with N200 million each. Four members have now defected, allegedly pocketing the money,” stated Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary.
Nehikhare further criticized the governor for prioritizing political maneuvering over governance, particularly during a time of escalating insecurity in Edo State. “While communities are facing insecurity, resulting in at least 40 deaths in the past two weeks, the governor seems more focused on political horse-trading than addressing urgent security issues,” he added.
The defecting lawmakers defended their decision by citing internal conflicts within the PDP as their reason for leaving. “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” said Richard Edosa, who spoke on behalf of the group. “We believe in the vision of Governor 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 lawmakers, APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe hailed their move as a significant boost for the ruling party, assuring them of equal rights and privileges within the APC. “These honourable members bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives. They have recognized that the APC offers the most promising path forward for Edo State and Nigeria,” Tenebe remarked.
The allegations of bribery were dismissed by Tenebe, who insisted that the lawmakers defected out of conviction rather than financial incentives. “This is not merely about increasing our numbers but about strengthening our collective resolve. We value every member’s contribution and believe our new lawmakers will play a vital role in our journey toward success,” he asserted.
With this strengthening of its presence in the Edo Assembly, the PDP remains hopeful that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will reverse Okpebholo’s victory. Nehikhare reaffirmed the party’s conviction that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, won the election, pledging that the PDP will reclaim its mandate. “We believe the judiciary will correct the injustice of the September election and return the stolen mandate to the PDP,” he declared.
