The political landscape of Edo State has shifted as four members of the State House of Assembly have switched their allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress1 (APC). This move has triggered accusations of bribery from the PDP, who claim each lawmaker received 200 million naira to facilitate the defection.
Donald Okugbe, Bright Iyamu, Richard Edosa, and Sunday Ojezele formally joined the APC at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, where they were welcomed by acting Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, and other party leaders. This change in affiliation has given the APC a majority in the 24-member assembly, now holding 13 seats compared to the PDP’s 11. The APC also absorbed the sole Labour Party representative.
The PDP swiftly condemned the defections, with Chris Nehikhare, the PDP Caretaker Committee’s Publicity Secretary, alleging that Governor Monday Okpebholo used state funds to induce the lawmakers. He criticized the governor for prioritizing political maneuvering over addressing pressing issues like escalating insecurity. Nehikhare warned of consequences for the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
In response, the defecting lawmakers cited internal discord within the PDP as the reason for their decision. Richard Edosa, speaking on behalf of the group, expressed confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s vision for Edo State and pledged their support.
Jarret Tenebe, the acting APC chairman, welcomed the lawmakers, emphasizing their valuable experience and asserting that they joined the APC out of conviction, not financial gain. He dismissed the PDP’s bribery allegations and highlighted the APC’s commitment to improving the lives of Edo residents.
The PDP remains optimistic that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will overturn Governor Okpebholo’s victory, maintaining that their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, rightfully won the election. They have expressed confidence in the judiciary to rectify what they perceive as an electoral injustice.
