Edo Govt, PDP Lock Horns Over Governor Okpebholo’s Alleged Absence and N4.2bn SUV Budget

By Prince O. D. Agbedeyi PhD 

Benin City, September 5, 2025 – The political temperature in Edo State rose sharply yesterday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government engaged in a heated war of words. At the center of the controversy are allegations of leadership absenteeism, extravagant spending, and governance priorities under Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

The PDP, through its State Caretaker Committee Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehihkare, accused Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, of abandoning their responsibilities at a time when Edo citizens are struggling under economic hardship. According to the opposition, both leaders embarked on foreign trips simultaneously—an action it described as “an unprecedented abdication of duty” that has left the state in a “dangerous leadership vacuum.”

PDP Raises Alarm Over N4.2 Billion SUV Budget

The PDP’s statement went further to allege reckless financial mismanagement by the government, particularly a controversial budgetary allocation of ₦4.2 billion for Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) intended for newly nominated commissioners. Nehihkare claimed that each SUV is estimated at ₦150 million, raising concerns about what he described as a “disturbing level of wasteful spending.”

“This reckless expansion of government,” he said, “comes at a time when Edo people are groaning under worsening insecurity, inflation, and stalled public services. Instead of using the increased federal allocation to improve worker welfare and review the minimum wage, the APC-led government has chosen luxury and patronage over the welfare of the people.”

The PDP also criticised the size of the executive council, pointing out that Governor Okpebholo nominated 28 commissioners, alongside what it called a “growing army of special advisers, board chairmen, and parastatal heads”—appointments which it argued have driven the cost of governance in Edo to an all-time high.

Government Counters: “Edo Is Not Rudderless”

In a swift rebuttal, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s claims as outright falsehoods aimed at misleading the public. He clarified that the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has since returned to Nigeria and is actively carrying out his constitutional responsibilities.

“Edo State is not rudderless,” Itua asserted. “The state remains firmly on course under the purposeful leadership of Governor Okpebholo and his deputy. The lies being peddled by the PDP are nothing more than desperate attempts to distract the people from the progress already being made.”

Growing Political Tensions Ahead of 2026

This confrontation underscores the increasingly fierce political atmosphere in Edo State ahead of the 2026 general elections. Analysts note that the PDP is seeking every opportunity to discredit the APC-led government, while the ruling party is equally determined to defend its record amidst growing public discontent over economic hardship and governance style.

For ordinary Edo citizens, however, the central question remains: will the state’s resources be channelled towards alleviating poverty, improving infrastructure, and enhancing security, or will political rivalries continue to overshadow governance?

The coming months will no doubt reveal whether Governor Okpebholo can withstand mounting opposition criticism and deliver on the promises that brought him into office.

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✍️ Author

Prince O. D. Agbedeyi PhD 
(Global Egberi Media International)

🌐 Website: https://globalegberi.blogspot.com
📧 Email: globalegberimedia@gmail.com
📞 Nigeria: +234 813 490 2214

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Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo, PDP, APC, Edo Politics, N4.2 Billion SUV, Nigeria News, Edo Government