Edo PDP Denounces N12bn Allegation, Calls Governor’s Claims a Ploy to Justify Attack on Democracy

Edo PDP Denounces N12bn Allegation, Calls Governor’s Claims a Ploy to Justify Attack on Democracy

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has rejected the N12 billion accusation against the 18 suspended local government council chairmen by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo. The party claims the allegations are a tactic by the governor to justify his ongoing attacks on democracy in the state.

On Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo had accused the council chairmen of remitting over N12 billion to PDP leaders during their 15 months in office. This claim, according to the PDP, is a deliberate attempt to cover up the governor’s unlawful actions and undermine local governance.

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, made the party’s position clear in a press statement titled “Okpebholo’s Lies on Remittance of Funds to PDP Leaders: A Ploy to Justify Attack on Local Councils, Extermination of Democracy in Edo.” The statement was shared with journalists late Tuesday night in Benin.

The PDP described the governor’s remarks as “spurious and baseless,” calling the accusations a “cocktail of complete falsehoods.” They accused Okpebholo of using lies to distract from his government’s unlawful suspension of the council chairmen and his broader agenda to dismantle democracy in Edo.

“We are aware that the governor is desperate to access the local councils’ treasury to reward political godfathers and settle debts incurred during the last governorship election,” Aziegbemi said. “This is his attempt to disguise his illegal actions.”

Aziegbemi also accused the governor of employing thugs and non-state actors to attack council headquarters, kidnap councillors, and force them to impeach the duly elected chairmen. The PDP leader claimed that Okpebholo was searching for excuses to legitimise his unlawful actions by falsely accusing the PDP.

The party categorically denied the claims that PDP leaders received any funds from local government chairmen. Aziegbemi expressed doubt about the accuracy of the N12 billion figure stated by the governor, suggesting it may be an error. “We know he was confused when confronted with financial details a few weeks ago,” Aziegbemi added.

The PDP also challenged the governor to provide evidence to back up his allegations. They emphasised that local governments are constitutionally recognised as the third tier of government, with autonomy guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution. “Governor Okpebholo must stop this executive rascality before the state descends into anarchy and chaos,” Aziegbemi warned.

The PDP further criticised the governor’s leadership, claiming his real challenge lies in his lack of vision and capacity for governance. “He is a politician who got into office unprepared and is now jeopardising the peace and security of the state to pursue selfish interests,” Aziegbemi concluded.

The PDP urged Governor Okpebholo to focus on delivering for the people of Edo State during his tenure rather than continuing to undermine the state’s democratic institutions.