Edo Governor Alleges N12bn Diverted to PDP Leaders by Suspended Council Chairmen

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, accused 18 suspended local government council chairmen of diverting and channeling approximately N12 billion to leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over a span of 15 months. The serious allegation was made during a meeting with acting council chairmen and councillors at the Government House, where Okpebholo also shared concerns about alleged financial mismanagement within the councils.

According to Okpebholo, during his tenure, the state’s Accountant-General revealed troubling financial records, including a mysterious monthly allocation of N800 million labeled “Environmental Security Funding.” The governor suggested that this money was funneled to PDP leaders, despite no clear justification for such large expenditures. He noted that when he requested the chairmen explain this allocation, they failed to provide answers or submit the required financial records.

The allegations are part of a broader context of governance challenges in Edo, following the December 2024 suspension of the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the state’s 18 local councils. This suspension came after the chairmen’s failure to submit financial documents to the state government. The chairmen responded by filing a lawsuit, and the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the status quo should be maintained pending the resolution of the case.

Okpebholo highlighted that the chairmen’s lack of transparency and accountability stood in stark contrast to the local government’s supposed role in serving the grassroots, especially in areas such as education, where many primary schools were reportedly understaffed.

Despite the allegations, Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, firmly denied any involvement of PDP leaders in the alleged misappropriation of funds. He challenged Okpebholo to provide evidence to substantiate his claims, stressing that the governor should report any wrongdoing to the appropriate anti-corruption agencies rather than make baseless accusations.

As the political tension continues to rise, the suspended chairmen have been replaced by acting officials, while the state’s political landscape remains deeply divided over these allegations of corruption and mismanagement.