PDP offers ₦200m to four Lawmakers each to defect APC- Chris Nehikhare
The Peoples Democratic Party has claimed that four members of the Edo State House of Assembly were allured with N200m each to avert to the All Progressives Congress.
The politicians— Donald Okugbe (Akoko Edo Constituency II), Bright Iyamu (Orhionmwon South Constituency II), Richard Edosa (Oredo West Constituency), and Sunday Ojezele (Esan South East)—on Wednesday officially deflected to the APC at the party’s secretariat in Benin.
They were welcomed by the acting Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, and other top members of the party.
With this deflection, the APC now holds 13 seats in the 24-member Assembly, while the PDP has 11. The Labour Party also lost its only lawmaker to the APC.
The PDP swiftly condemned the deflections, charging Governor Monday Okpebholo of bribing lawmakers with resources meant for the state.
“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with N200meach, 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 frowned at the governor for valuing political readjustment over competent governance, especially at a time when vulnerability is on the rise 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.
Rationalising their decision to change sides, the deflecting lawmakers put the blame on the conflict within the PDP for their departure.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” said Richard Edosa, who stood in for 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.”
Receiving the lawmakers, APC acting chairman Jarret Tenebe, defined their move as a significant improvement for the ruling party, guaranteeing 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.”
Denying the PDP’s bribery charges, Tenebe maintained that the lawmakers deflected out of conviction, not financial enticement.
“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 the lawmakers brooms, the official symbol of the APC.
With the APC fortifying its grasp on the Edo Assembly, the PDP remains optimistic that the ongoing governorship election board will reverse Okpebholo’s victory.
Nehikhare reestablished the party’s belief that its nominee, Asue Ighodalo, won the September 21 election, vowing that the PDP would reassert its authority.
“We are confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice of September 21 and return the stolen mandate to the PDP,” he said.
