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Four members of the Edo State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The PDP alleged that the lawmakers received N200 million each as inducement to defect, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to bribe lawmakers.
The APC dismissed the bribery allegations, saying the lawmakers defected out of conviction, not financial incentives.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged that four members of the Edo State House of Assembly received 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 at the party’s secretariat in Benin on Wednesday.
Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, accused Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to bribe lawmakers.
“In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week that Governor Monday Okpebholo was planning to buy over PDP lawmakers with N200 million each, four members have now defected, pocketing the money in the process.”
Nehikhare criticized the governor for prioritizing 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.”
Defending their decision to switch allegiance, the defecting lawmakers blamed internal crises within the PDP for their departure.
Richard Edosa, who spoke on behalf of the group, said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. 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.
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“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 dismissed the PDP’s bribery allegations, saying the lawmakers 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 said.
Edo Govt, PDP Trade Blame Over State’s Challenges
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of causing setbacks in various sectors.
Speaking at a press conference, the party’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, claimed that the state had suffered declines in education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, and the economy.
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