A political storm is brewing in Edo State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, of abandoning governance to take foreign trips, leaving the state “rudderless” amidst worsening economic and security challenges.

In a statement released by the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, the party alleged that both the governor and his deputy had left the state without a clear handover or direction, creating a dangerous leadership vacuum at a critical time.

“The reckless dereliction of responsibility has plunged Edo into a dangerous leadership vacuum at a time when citizens are groaning under economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and stalled public services,” the statement read.

The PDP also opposed the governor’s recent request to the Edo State House of Assembly to confirm 28 commissioner-nominees—a number the party says would make it the most bloated Executive Council in the state’s 34-year history.

Nehikhare further alleged that the administration has earmarked N4.2 billion of taxpayers’ money to purchase luxury SUVs for the commissioners, with each vehicle costing around N150 million.

He criticised what he called the “reckless expansion of government,” citing a growing list of Special Advisers, board chairmen, and heads of parastatals that he claims have pushed the cost of governance to unprecedented levels.

He called on Governor Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Idahosa to “immediately end their reckless junketing abroad and return home to confront the urgent task of governance—restoring security, fixing schools and hospitals, paying workers, repairing roads, and giving Edo people the dignity they deserve.”

In a swift reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Mr. Fred Itua, dismissed the PDP’s claims as “false” and “a desperate attempt by a failed political party to regain relevance.”

“The insinuation that both the governor and his deputy abandoned the state is a product of mischief and deliberate falsehood. At no time has Edo been left without leadership,” Itua said.

He clarified that Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa is currently in the state and actively performing his official duties.

Addressing concerns over workers’ welfare, Itua highlighted that Edo State is one of the top three in Nigeria in terms of minimum wage, paying N75,000 monthly—far above the national average.

He described the PDP’s comments on wages as “laughable and embarrassing.”

“It is shameful that the PDP is citing other states raising wages without acknowledging that Edo is already ahead.

“This exposes their ignorance and shows how detached they’ve become from the realities in the state,” he said.

Itua assured residents that Edo State remains under stable leadership and is “firmly on course under the purposeful leadership of Governor Okpebholo and his deputy.” (The Guardian)