PDP Edo State Chapter

PRESS STATEMENT

November 12,2025

GOV. MONDAY OKPEBHOLO'S ONE YEAR IN OFFICE: A REPORT CARD OF FAILURE AND FRUSTRATION FOR EDO PEOPLE.*

*EDO IS NOT SHINING BUT BLEEDING PROFUSELY IN UNCERTAINTY.

Today marks one year since Senator Monday Okpebholo assumed office as Governor of Edo State. For the people of Edo, this year has been defined by misplaced priorities, escalating insecurity, and a profound lack of visionary leadership, leaving citizens to grapple with deepening hardship and uncertainty.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is compelled to present a sober assessment of an administration that has chosen propaganda over progress and political sycophancy over substantive governance.

1. The Collapse of Security and a Flawed Strategy

Edo State has become a haven for criminals. Kidnappers, cultists, and bandits operate with impunity from Benin to Auchi, from Ekpoma to Uromi, rendering our roads unsafe and forcing our farmers to abandon their lands.

While the initial procurement of security vehicles was a step in the right direction, the administration's strategy has since collapsed into counterproductive and unconstitutional actions. The policy of demolishing the homes of innocent landlords for the alleged crimes of their tenants is not only unjust but exposes a dire lack of strategic, intelligence-driven security planning. This approach punishes the innocent and does nothing to address the root causes of crime.

2. A Government Adrift, Without Vision or Plan

After twelve months, the Okpebholo administration has failed to articulate a clear developmental blueprint for the state. There is no coherent policy framework, leading to abandoned projects, deteriorating infrastructure, and a palpable sense of administrative decay. The once-vibrant Benin City is a testament to this neglect. Governance in Edo State has become motion without movement.

3. The Mystery of the N100 Billion Loan

Governor Okpebholo secured a massive N100 billion loan, promising it would catalyze agricultural revolution and infrastructural renewal. One year later, Edo people are asking: where is the impact?

There has been no visible transformation in the agricultural sector, no significant infrastructural development beyond the on-going construction of two flyovers, and no tangible empowerment for our people. Building flyovers is not synonymous with holistic development; it is a poor substitute for the comprehensive economic revival that was promised.

4. GlasgowGate, $250 Million Europe CCI Deal Under Scrutiny.

The "Edo Glasgow Investment Summit" and its purported $250 million deal with the "EuroAfrica Chamber of Commerce and Industries" bear all the hallmarks of an elaborate hoax and a poor scamming skills. Our investigations reveal that the alleged chamber has no verifiable corporate footprint, no history of managing investments of this scale, and its representatives lack credibility.

The event was conspicuously devoid of genuine international investors. This appears to have been a costly public relations stunt designed to create an illusion of progress. Two months later, the silence on this "audio $250 million" deal is deafening and confirms our suspicions.

5. Deepening Economic Hardship and Administrative Paralysis

The cost of living has skyrocketed, youth unemployment is at a crisis level, and local businesses are struggling to survive. The state’s economy is crippled by the government's indecision and lack of innovative policies. Civil servants are demoralized, and there is no discernible strategy to attract credible investment or stimulate growth.

6. Nepotism and a Government of Exclusion

A competent and fully constituted cabinet is the bedrock of effective governance. It is therefore alarming that after one year, Governor Okpebholo has been unable to fully appoint cabinet members to join in driving governance to the expected destination.

Worse, the few appointments made have been shrouded in cronyism and nepotism. Over 50 key positions have been funneled to his immediate community of Uwesan and his ward, reducing the government to a narrow family affair. This brazen disregard for merit and inclusivity is a betrayal of the diverse people of Edo State.

This insensitivity was further demonstrated by the failed attempt to impose an outsider as the Iya Oloja of Edo market women an act that is alien to our culture and an affront to our women. We commend the market women for their resilient and peaceful resistance.

7. Prioritizing Sycophancy Over Statecraft

Governor Okpebholo appears more consumed by his role as a campaign agent for the 2027 presidential election than as the Chief Executive of Edo State. It is an absurd paradox for a governor who struggled to secure a strong mandate in his own election to now be obsessed with delivering 2.5 million votes for President Tinubu. Who will give him the votes? Same Edo people he has refuse to serve and keep the promises of his campaign with.

This political obsession has overshadowed governance. The directive that commissioners must wear partisan regalia to official state functions is a sign of immaturity and a shocking confusion of priorities. Edo people elected a governor, not a campaign manager.

The Final Analysis: A Failing Grade and a Call to Action

On a comprehensive assessment of his first year in office, we are compelled to rate the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo 13/100 a woeful and unacceptable performance, even a toddler would do far better.

The PDP will not stand idly by as Edo State drifts. We will continue to provide robust opposition, holding this government accountable to the people and exposing its failures at every turn.

Edo State deserves visionary, inclusive, and competent leadership.
As you begin the journey to your second year in office, seek counsel, direction, wisdom and eschew sycophancy, and Edo will stop bleeding profusely.

Signed:

Bob-Manuel Umoru
Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Edo State Chapter.

DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF EDO STATE

June 12, 2025

Today, as we join fellow Nigerians in commemorating Democracy Day, we pause to reflect on the historic June 12, 1993 election an election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in our nation’s history. Though annulled, it remains a powerful symbol of the Nigerian people’s resolve and belief in the power of their voice.

To the good people of Edo State, I bring you warm greetings and an enduring message of hope.

We are fully aware of the pains and burdens that so many of our citizens carry today. We see the challenges in our economy, the hardship in our markets, the cries of our youths for opportunities, and the yearning of our people for a government that truly cares.

As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), now in opposition, our role is clear: we will not relent in putting the ruling party on its toes. We will continue to engage constructively, speak up boldly, and demand accountability from those in power. Governance must not be about promises alone it must be about action that brings relief, development, and prosperity to the people.

We reaffirm our commitment to the Edo people to stand with you, to echo your concerns, and to be a strong and responsible opposition that speaks for the voiceless and defends the dreams of the common man.

We believe in Edo. And we believe sooner or later we shall together restore our Party back to government to deliver unhindered dividends of democracy to our people.

Let us remain resolute and hopeful of a better tomorrow. Let us stay united. Edo will be Great Again.

Happy Democracy Day!

Signed:
Bob-Manuel Umoru
Publicity Secretary
PDP Edo State Caretaker Committee

Edo PDP Commends Governor Okpebholo for Proactive Measures in Enhancing State Security.

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) acknowledges and commends Governor Monday Okpebholo for his administration's proactive approach to addressing security challenges in the state. The recent initiatives have led to a noticeable reduction in incidents of kidnapping, cultism, banditry, and herdsmen attacks on communities.

Governor Okpebholo's commitment to restoring peace and security is evident through several strategic actions:

Legislative Measures: The enactment of the Cultism Prohibition Law and the Kidnapping Prohibition Amendment Law, 2025, which impose stringent penalties on offenders, including the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and the demolition of properties linked to such crimes.

Operational Enhancements: Procurement of over 60 new Hilux vehicles and 1,000 motorcycles to bolster the capabilities of security agencies, facilitating rapid response and improved surveillance across the state.

Community Engagement: Reorganization and empowerment of the Edo State Security Network to strengthen community policing efforts, ensuring that local insights contribute to effective security strategies.

These measures have already begun to yield positive results, with a visible decline in criminal activities and enhanced safety for residents across Edo. The administration’s focused effort to equip security operatives and enforce the rule of law reflects a marked shift from the previous administration. Under the last government led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the state witnessed the proliferation of fi****ms, emboldened cult groups parading in broad daylight sometimes under police es**rt and a general escalation of insecurity.

We, as a responsible opposition party, acknowledge the tremendous improvement in the security architecture of Edo State. While we will continue to play our constitutional role in holding the government accountable, we commit to doing so with civility, maturity, and genuine concern for the well-being of our people not through bitterness or sabotage.

We urge the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo not to rest on its laurels. The gains made in recent months are commendable, but the fight against insecurity is an ongoing task that requires sustained effort and vigilance.

It remains our prayer that Edo people get the best from every administration saddled with the responsibility of governance. We desire a prosperous society and a stable economy, and we will not shy away from constructively engaging the government to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every household in our beloved state.

Signed:

Bob-Manuel Umoru
Publicity Secretary
PDP Edo State Caretaker Committee
4th May 2025