Benin City, March 9, 2025 – The Edo State Government has strongly criticized the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing it as a faction-ridden party struggling for political survival.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the government dismissed recent criticisms from the PDP, labeling them as baseless attacks driven by frustration over its declining influence.
“The Edo PDP has become the political equivalent of a broken-down car, abandoned after years of reckless leadership. Instead of seeking redemption, it has resorted to desperate outbursts against a government that is steadily gaining the trust of the people,” the statement read.
The government argued that the PDP’s internal crises, coupled with what it described as past mismanagement of state resources, have rendered the party irrelevant in Edo’s political landscape.
The press release singled out key PDP figures, including former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, accusing him of attempting to mislead the public. It referenced allegations that Nehikhare acquired a government-owned Prado SUV worth ₦200 million for just ₦750,000, calling it an example of the “reckless looting culture of the PDP era.”
Furthermore, the government dismissed the PDP’s recent criticisms of security challenges in the state, stating that Governor Monday Okpebholo has already taken concrete steps to address insecurity by restructuring the Edo Security Network and equipping law enforcement agencies.
“Under the PDP’s leadership, Edo’s security architecture collapsed, leaving citizens at the mercy of criminals. Today, the Okpebholo administration is taking decisive action, unlike the empty rhetoric of the past,” the statement added.
The government also refuted claims that Governor Okpebholo was inducing Edo State House of Assembly members with ₦200 million each to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the statement, recent defections—including that of Hon. Sunday Ojiezele Ikpenomen—were not financially motivated but rather a result of the governor’s people-centered leadership.
“The PDP assumes that everyone operates with their corrupt mentality. But unlike them, the APC is winning supporters based on good governance, not bribery,” it said.
The Edo government questioned the PDP’s moral standing in criticizing an administration that has only been in office for a few months. It highlighted Governor Okpebholo’s early achievements, such as the construction of the Rahmat Park Flyover, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.
The statement concluded with a strong message to the PDP, urging the opposition party to engage in constructive criticism rather than “desperate and uncoordinated attacks.”
“Edo people have moved on from PDP’s era of failed promises and political games. The party must fix itself before pointing fingers at a government already delivering results,” the statement declared.
With the Edo State governorship election on the horizon, political tensions continue to rise, and the battle for public trust is intensifying between the ruling APC and the opposition PDP.
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