‘Ize-Iyamu’s Talk of Legitimacy Is Pure Hypocrisy’ – Edo PDP Fires Back Over ‘Self-Promotion Tale’

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Fresh political tension has erupted in Edo State after the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Tony Aziegbemi, issued a strong response to comments made by All Progressives Congress (APC) figure Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

According to Gossip News Now, Aziegbemi described the remarks attributed to Ize-Iyamu as a calculated attempt at self-promotion rather than a sincere defence of the current administration led by Governor Monday Okpebholo.

In his reaction, the PDP leader argued that the statement from the APC chieftain appeared driven by personal political interests rather than a genuine concern for governance in Edo State.

Aziegbemi maintained that the commentary circulating in public discourse distorted important facts about developments in the state, prompting the party to offer what he described as a necessary clarification.

One of the key issues raised in his response concerns the Ramat Park flyover project, which the PDP chairman criticized heavily. He questioned the transparency surrounding the project and alleged that proper procedures were not followed during its approval and execution.

According to him, the project lacked several basic governance requirements, including clear design documentation, oversight from a tendering authority, and full public accountability.

He also argued that despite significant revenue inflows into the state’s coffers in recent months, there has been little evidence of completed projects that reflect tangible development.

The PDP leader suggested that what is being presented as progress amounts largely to hurried construction efforts and political publicity rather than well-planned infrastructure development.

Aziegbemi also challenged Ize-Iyamu’s comments regarding political legitimacy, accusing the APC politician of selective respect for judicial decisions.

He argued that the same figure who now advocates respect for legal outcomes had previously contested election results through prolonged court battles before eventually accepting judicial verdicts only after exhausting all legal avenues.

In addition, the PDP chairman claimed that Ize-Iyamu’s recent praise for Governor Okpebholo contrasts sharply with private criticisms he allegedly expressed earlier.

Defence of Obaseki’s Development Record

The PDP leadership used the opportunity to defend the legacy of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, presenting several projects undertaken during the previous administration as evidence of what it described as genuine development.

Among the initiatives highlighted were:

Construction of a modern state secretariat complex
Establishment of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy
Development of the Edo Tech Park
Installation of approximately 1,200 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure
Expansion of primary healthcare centres and educational facilities

The party also pointed to reforms in the education sector under the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation programme, stating that thousands of teachers received professional training and hundreds of schools were upgraded.

Concerns Over Governance and Security

Aziegbemi further raised concerns about transparency in the management of Edo State’s finances, alleging that key administrative processes such as procurement disclosures and audited financial statements are not easily accessible.

He also claimed that insecurity remains a growing concern in several local government areas, citing reports of violent clashes and kidnappings.

According to him, the state government’s public messaging on social welfare programmes—including bursaries and financial assistance initiatives—does not correspond with clear documentation within official budgets.

Debate Over Economic and Agricultural Policies

The PDP chairman also criticised the current administration’s agricultural performance, arguing that little progress has been made in expanding farmland development.

He contrasted this with earlier programmes introduced by the previous government, including initiatives designed to strengthen the oil palm sector and promote long-term agricultural investment.

In addition, Aziegbemi defended the Museum of West African Art project, describing it as a major cultural initiative intended to position Edo State as an international centre for heritage tourism.

Political Motives and Future Ambitions

Beyond policy disagreements, the PDP chairman suggested that Ize-Iyamu’s public statements may be influenced by future political ambitions.

He alleged that the APC leader’s recent remarks could be connected to potential plans to contest the Edo South senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

Aziegbemi also accused the politician of frequently shifting alliances throughout his career, claiming that several political benefactors who once supported him were later abandoned.

Commentary and Analysis

The exchange between Edo’s PDP leadership and APC figures highlights the increasingly intense political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.

Political debates in the state appear to be moving beyond policy discussions into questions of credibility, legacy, and long-term leadership ambitions.

For opposition parties, defending past administrations while challenging current governance has become a key strategy for maintaining political relevance.

Meanwhile, for the ruling party in Edo, managing criticism while demonstrating measurable development outcomes will likely remain central to shaping public perception.

As political actors position themselves for future contests, public statements such as these illustrate how governance performance, historical alliances, and personal ambitions continue to shape Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape.