From Moshood Karim
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has accused former Governor Godwin Obaseki and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in the 2024 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, of sponsoring insecurity in the State. He alleged that the recent wave of violent attacks and kidnappings were being orchestrated by PDP elements using firearms allegedly procured by Obaseki’s administration before the 2024 gubernatorial election.
Speaking in Benin City while receiving four defecting members of the Edo State House of Assembly, Tenebe dismissed claims that Governor Monday Okpebholo was incapable of handling the security situation. He insisted that the governor had taken decisive steps to restore order and urged security agencies to take immediate action to curb the rising violence.
“We have it on record that the PDP is behind recent kidnappings and other forms of insecurity in Edo State,” Tenebe stated. “The firearms purchased by the Obaseki administration for PDP thugs before the last gubernatorial election are still in their possession, and they are using them to terrorise the good people of Edo State. We call on security agencies to arrest the situation before it gets out of hand.”
The APC chairman further accused PDP leaders Francis Inegbeneki, Osarodion Ogie, and Tony Aziegbeni of involvement in the crisis, alleging that the same thugs responsible for the killing of a policeman at Benin Airport before the election were behind the current unrest.
Tenebe made these allegations while welcoming four State lawmakers who defected from the PDP and Labour Party to the APC. The defectors include Hon. Donald Okogbe (Akoko-Edo Constituency II, PDP), Hon. Sunday Osezua Ojiezele Ikpenomwan (Esan South-East, PDP), Hon. Bright Iyamu (Orhiomwon Constituency II, PDP), and Hon. (Dr.) Richard Edosa (Oredo West, Labour Party).
The APC chairman attributed their defection to Governor Okpebholo’s developmental strides in less than four months in office. “This decision is a powerful endorsement of the governor’s commitment to progress, unity, justice, economic prosperity, and food security,” he declared.
Tenebe dismissed PDP’s criticism of the security situation, accusing the opposition party of spreading falsehoods. “For the record, we have watched with dismay how the divided PDP continues to peddle lies about insecurity in Edo State. It is important to set the record straight,” he said.
He further explained that the defections were not just about numbers but about strengthening the APC’s mission for good governance. Citing Section 68, Subsection 1G of the Nigerian Constitution, he argued that elected officials had the legal right to defect if there was division within their party.
With these defections, the APC now holds the majority in the Edo State House of Assembly. Tenebe described the PDP as a “dead party with no structure or office in Edo State,” predicting its further decline. He even announced plans to hold a symbolic “funeral service” for the PDP in Edo State soon.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Tenebe vowed that the APC would mobilise over two million votes and secure all available seats in the State. He also pledged that Edo State would deliver the highest number of votes in the South-south for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
The Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Barr. Eric Allison Okaka, commended the defecting lawmakers for their decision, stating that the move was a testament to Governor Okpebholo’s leadership. “This clearly shows that governance is not for small boys. Today, we have a mature and determined governor, and that is why our colleagues have seen the need to join us,” he remarked.
Hon. (Dr.) Richard Edosa, speaking on behalf of the defectors, cited divisions within the PDP and Labour Party as a key reason for their decision. “At this moment, we need to let the world know that there are divisions in our various parties from the national to the State level. A house divided against itself cannot stand,” he stated.
He reaffirmed their commitment to working with the governor to achieve his vision for Edo State. “We believe in the vision of Senator Monday Okpebholo. That is why we have decided to take this step—to work hand in hand with him to move Edo State forward.”
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