The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of attempting to bribe members of the state House of Assembly with N200 million each to defect from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move allegedly amounts to N1.6 billion in total.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the PDP’s Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, condemned the governor’s alleged actions, emphasizing that Okpebholo was prioritizing political survival over the state’s pressing issues.
The PDP highlighted the ongoing security crisis, economic instability, and the decay of essential sectors, such as health, while accusing the governor of misappropriating state resources for personal gain.
“Senator Okpebholo’s desperate plan to squander the resources of Edo State on political horse-trading for his own survival while critical sectors remain in dire need of government intervention is highly condemnable,” the statement read.
The PDP also urged civil society groups and anti-corruption agencies to take action against this alleged abuse of power and mismanagement of public funds.
In response, Edo State’s Commissioner for Information, Paul Ohonbamu, dismissed the allegations, asserting that Governor Okpebholo has no need to induce PDP lawmakers to join the APC.
“Governor Okpebholo does not need to induce any PDP legislator to join the APC. If anyone is crossing over, it is because of the governor’s goodwill,” Ohonbamu stated, emphasizing that the governor’s focus remains on governance and development in the state.