Corruption Scandal: PDP Alleges Okpebholo Paid ₦200 Million Per Lawmaker For APC Loyalty

Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, condemned Governor Monday Okpebholo for allegedly using state funds to bribe lawmakers. In a statement, he said, “As we warned last week, Governor Monday Okpebholo has been attempting to buy off PDP lawmakers with ₦200 million each. Four members have now defected, reportedly pocketing the bribe.”

Nehikhare expressed disapproval of the governor’s misuse of state resources and emphasized the severe consequences of government fund misappropriation. “Okpebholo will eventually answer for this reckless spending,” he added.

He also criticized the governor for focusing on political maneuvering instead of addressing the rising insecurity in the state. “While insecurity claims lives, with at least 40 killed in the last two weeks, the governor is preoccupied with political horse-trading rather than tackling the urgent security challenges,” Nehikhare stated.

The defecting lawmakers were received by Jarret Tenebe, the Acting Edo State APC Chairman, and other party leaders. With this defection, the APC now holds 13 out of 24 seats in the Assembly, while the PDP’s representation has decreased to 11. Additionally, the Labour Party lost its sole lawmaker to the APC.