Edo lawmakers join APC as PDP cries foul

DDM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of using N200 million to bribe lawmakers into defecting.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that four members of the Edo State House of Assembly officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.

The defecting lawmakers include Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East).

They were welcomed into the APC by acting state chairman Jarret Tenebe and other party leaders.

With this defection, the APC now holds 13 out of 24 seats in the state Assembly.

The Labour Party (LP) also lost its only lawmaker, further consolidating the APC’s dominance.

The PDP swiftly condemned the development, alleging that Governor Okpebholo used state funds to induce the lawmakers.

Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, insisted the defections confirmed their earlier warnings about the governor’s political schemes.

He accused Okpebholo of misusing public resources to strengthen his political base rather than addressing state issues.

“This reckless use of public funds is unacceptable,” Nehikhare stated.

He warned that Okpebholo would eventually be held accountable for diverting state funds to political activities.

Nehikhare also criticized the governor for focusing on politics while insecurity in Edo State worsens.

“In the last two weeks, over 40 lives have been lost to insecurity,” he claimed.

“Yet, instead of tackling this crisis, the governor is busy engaging in political horse-trading,” he added.

Defending their defection, the lawmakers blamed internal PDP crises for their decision to leave.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Richard Edosa stated that PDP’s internal divisions made it impossible to remain in the party.

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

He praised Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, saying they joined him to advance Edo State’s development.

APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe welcomed the defectors and described their move as a big win for the party.

He assured them of equal rights and privileges within the APC.

“These lawmakers bring experience, commitment, and fresh perspectives to our great party,” Tenebe stated.

He dismissed PDP’s bribery claims, insisting the defections were based on conviction, not financial incentives.

“Our party stands for progress and development, and these lawmakers recognize that,” he added.

As a symbolic gesture, Tenebe presented them with brooms, the official APC symbol.

With the APC tightening its grip on the Edo Assembly, the PDP remains hopeful that the governorship election tribunal will reverse Okpebholo’s victory.

Nehikhare reaffirmed PDP’s belief that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, won the September 21 election.

“We are confident that the courts will correct this injustice,” he said.

He maintained that the PDP would eventually reclaim its mandate through legal means.

Background of APC and PDP

The All Progressives Congress (APC) was formed in 2013 as a coalition of opposition parties to challenge the then-ruling PDP.

It won the 2015 presidential election, ending the PDP’s 16-year rule and becoming Nigeria’s dominant political party.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was established in 1998 and ruled Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 before losing to the APC.

Despite its defeat, the PDP remains Nigeria’s main opposition party, with strongholds in the South-South and Southeast regions.

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