N200m Bribery Allegations Rock Edo State as Four Lawmakers Defect to APC

 

N200m Bribery Allegations Rock Edo State as Four Lawmakers Defect to APC

A political storm is brewing in Edo State, Nigeria, as four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking allegations of bribery. The lawmakers, Donald Okugbe, Bright Iyamu, Richard Edosa, and Sunday Ojezele, were officially welcomed into the APC at the party's secretariat in Benin ¹.

The PDP has swiftly condemned the defections, accusing Governor Monday Okpebholo of using state funds to bribe the lawmakers. "In confirmation of the alarm raised by our party last week, four members have now defected, pocketing N200m each 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" ¹.

The defecting lawmakers, however, blamed internal crises within the PDP for their departure. "A house divided against itself cannot stand," said Richard Edosa. "We believe in the vision of Governor Monday Okpebholo and have decided to join him in achieving his plans for Edo State" ¹.

The APC has welcomed the lawmakers, with acting chairman Jarret Tenebe describing their move as a major boost for the ruling party. "These honourable members bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, and have recognised that the APC offers the most promising path forward for Edo State and Nigeria," Tenebe said ¹.

The PDP remains hopeful that the ongoing governorship election tribunal will reverse Okpebholo's victory. "We are confident that the judiciary will correct the injustice of September 21 and return the stolen mandate to the PDP," said Nehikhare ¹.

Sources:

¹ Punch Nigeria: "PDP alleges N200m bribery as four lawmakers defect to APC"