The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo of offering ₦200 million each to four members of the State House of Assembly as an incentive to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
On Wednesday, March 12, lawmakers Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East) formally joined the APC at its state secretariat in Benin. Acting APC Chairman in Edo, Jarret Tenebe, alongside other party leaders, received them.
With this shift, the APC now holds 13 of the 24 legislative seats, leaving the PDP with 11. The Labour Party also lost its only lawmaker to the APC.
Reacting swiftly, the PDP strongly criticised the defections, alleging that state funds were used to buy political loyalty.
“Our party had earlier warned that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to lure PDP lawmakers with ₦200 million each. Now, four of them have taken the bait and defected,” PDP Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare stated.
“We condemn this reckless misuse of public funds and remind Okpebholo that misappropriating state resources carries consequences. He will have to answer for this extravagance,” he added.
Nehikhare also accused the governor of focusing on political manoeuvres while neglecting pressing security concerns.
“In the past two weeks, over 40 people have lost their lives to rising insecurity in Edo, yet the governor is more interested in securing political alliances instead of addressing the urgent safety needs of residents,” he said.
The defecting lawmakers, however, dismissed these allegations, attributing their departure to unresolved internal issues within the PDP.
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“A divided house cannot stand,” Richard Edosa said on behalf of the group. “We align with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s vision for the state and are committed to working with him to advance his plans for Edo. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to both the party and the state’s progress.”
Welcoming them into the party, Tenebe described their decision as a significant boost for the APC and assured them of equal opportunities.
“These respected lawmakers bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives. They have realised that the APC provides the best platform for Edo and Nigeria’s development,” Tenebe said.
“They have recognised Governor Okpebholo’s transparent leadership, the strength of our policies, and the party’s commitment to serving the people,” he added.
Refuting claims that the lawmakers were bribed, Tenebe insisted that their move was based on conviction rather than financial incentives.
“This isn’t just about increasing our numbers—it’s about strengthening our collective vision. We welcome every member’s contribution and believe our new lawmakers will play key roles in achieving our goals,” he stated.
During the event, the lawmakers were handed brooms, the APC’s official symbol.
Meanwhile, the PDP remains hopeful that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will nullify Okpebholo’s victory.
“The injustice of September 21 must be corrected, and we believe the judiciary will restore the PDP’s stolen mandate,”Nehikhare asserted.