PDP Alleges ₦200 Million Bribery as Four Lawmakers Defect to APC

 The political landscape in Edo State witnessed a significant shift as four lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting allegations of bribery and corruption. The PDP has accused the APC of orchestrating the defections through financial inducements totaling ₦200 million, a claim that has intensified political tensions in the state.

The defecting lawmakers, whose names have not been disclosed in the available reports, announced their departure from the PDP, citing internal party disputes and a lack of confidence in the party’s leadership as reasons for their defection. They expressed alignment with the APC’s vision and commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to their constituents.

In reaction, the PDP condemned the defections, alleging that the lawmakers were enticed with substantial monetary offers to switch allegiance. The party’s spokesperson claimed that each lawmaker received ₦50 million, amounting to a total of ₦200 million, to join the APC. The PDP described this development as a setback to democratic principles and an affront to the electorate’s mandate.

The APC, however, has dismissed the bribery allegations as baseless and unfounded. A spokesperson for the APC in Edo State stated that the defections were voluntary and driven by the lawmakers’ desire to contribute more effectively to the state’s development under the APC’s progressive platform. The party accused the PDP of resorting to unfounded accusations to mask its internal crises and loss of support.

Political analysts have observed that such defections are not uncommon in Nigeria’s political arena, often influenced by shifting alliances and strategic calculations ahead of elections. The allegations of financial inducement, if proven true, raise concerns about the integrity of the political process and the influence of money in swaying political loyalty.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to comment on the defections and the accompanying allegations. Civil society organizations have called for a thorough investigation into the claims to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process and ensure that elected officials remain accountable to their constituents rather than external inducements.