The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused four members of the Edo State House of Assembly of receiving N200 million each as inducement to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmakers—Donald Okugbe, Bright Iyamu, Richard Edosa, and Sunday Ojezele—officially joined the APC on Wednesday at the party’s secretariat in Benin, bolstering the APC’s majority in the 24-member Assembly to 13 seats, while the PDP now holds 11.
The PDP swiftly condemned the defections, with Chris Nehikhare, the party’s Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo used state funds to bribe the lawmakers.
“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week, Governor Okpebholo has now bought over PDP lawmakers with N200m each,” Nehikhare stated. “We frown at this wanton waste of state resources and warn that misappropriation of government funds attracts severe consequences.”
Nehikhare also criticized the governor for prioritizing political realignment over governance, especially amid rising insecurity 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,” he added.
In response, the defecting lawmakers cited internal crises within the PDP as their reason for leaving. Richard Edosa, speaking on behalf of the group, said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. We believe in the vision of Governor Okpebholo and have decided to join him in achieving his plans for Edo State.”
APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe dismissed the bribery allegations, describing the defections as a “major boost” for the party.
“These honourable members 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 and the integrity of Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.”
The PDP, however, remains hopeful that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will reverse Okpebholo’s victory, with Nehikhare reaffirming the party’s belief that its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, won the September 21 election.
“We are confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice and return the stolen mandate to the PDP,” he said.