Edo PDP, State Government Clash Over Alleged Leadership Lapses and N4.2bn SUV Plan

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, of neglecting their duties through frequent foreign trips while planning to spend N4.2 billion on luxury vehicles for newly nominated commissioners.

In a statement on Thursday, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare alleged that the governor’s request for the confirmation of 28 commissioner-nominees would create “the most bloated executive council in Edo’s history.” He claimed the administration had already finalized plans to procure 28 SUVs at N150 million each, while insecurity, delayed workers’ entitlements, and abandoned public projects worsened across the state.

The PDP further accused the government of leaving Edo in a “leadership vacuum,” arguing that insecurity had forced farmers off their farmlands, traders to close shops early, and travelers to fear the highways. “Edo people deserve leadership, not endless foreign junkets,” the party said.

Reacting, Governor Okpebholo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, dismissed the claims as “reckless, misleading, and desperate.” He stressed that the deputy governor was in the state performing his duties and that governance was being run on “systems, structures, and accountability.” He also pointed out that Edo remains among the top three states in Nigeria with the highest minimum wage at N75,000, and blamed the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki for failures in education, health, and infrastructure. According to him, the present government is focused on building an inclusive cabinet with capacity and representation across all senatorial districts.