The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that four members of the Edo State House of Assembly received N200m each as inducement to defect to the ruling 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 headquarters in Benin.
Jarret Tenebe, the acting Edo State APC Chairman, welcomed them, as did other party leaders.
Following this defection, the APC now has 13 seats in the 24-member Assembly, while the PDP has 11. The Labour Party also lost its sole lawmaker to the APC.
The PDP quickly blasted the defections, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to bribe legislators.
“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with N200 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 misappropriation of government funds attracts severe consequences. Okpebholo will eventually account for this reckless expenditure.”
Nehikhare also berated the governor for prioritising political realignment over governance, particularly at a time when insecurity is escalating in Edo State.
“While insecurity ravages communities, claiming at least 40 lives in the last two weeks, the governor is focused on political horse-trading for his survival, rather than tackling urgent security concerns,” he added.
Defending their decision to cross-carpet, the defecting lawmakers blamed internal crises within the PDP for their departure.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” said Richard Edosa, who spoke on behalf of the group. “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.”
Welcoming the lawmakers, APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe described their move as a major boost for the ruling party, assuring them of equal rights and privileges within the party.
“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,” he added.
Dismissing the PDP’s bribery allegations, Tenebe insisted that the legislators defected out of conviction, not financial incentives.
“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.
Tenebe then gave lawmakers brooms, the APC’s official symbol.
With the APC tightening its grip on the Edo Assembly, the PDP remains hopeful that the impending governorship election tribunal would overturn Okpebholo’s win.
Nehikhare repeated the party’s confidence that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had won the September 21 election, saying that the PDP would retrieve its mandate.
“We are confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice of September 21 and return the stolen mandate to the PDP,” he said.
