PDP Fires Back at Okpebholo Alleges Edo Govt Is Obsessed With Obaseki

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Political tension in Edo State has intensified as the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly criticized the administration led by Monday Okpebholo. The opposition party claims the government is fixated on dismantling initiatives introduced by former governor Godwin Obaseki, rather than focusing on governance and development.

The criticism follows comments by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua, who recently alleged that the Radisson Hotel project left Edo State with a debt burden estimated at ₦25 billion. According to the PDP, those remarks distort the facts surrounding the investment structure and are meant to undermine the achievements of the previous administration.

Opposition Pushes Back on Allegations

In a statement delivered to journalists, PDP spokesperson Dan Osa-Ogbegie dismissed the commissioner’s claims, arguing that they demonstrate a misunderstanding of financial models used in modern infrastructure projects. He suggested that the remarks combined misinformation with political motives.

Osa-Ogbegie said the PDP was compelled to respond despite ongoing legal proceedings concerning the project. According to him, allowing the claims to circulate without clarification could mislead residents about how the investment was structured and financed.

Claims of Political Vendetta

The opposition party alleged that the current administration has developed what it described as an unhealthy fixation on Obaseki and his policies. In its view, several initiatives from the previous government are now being scrutinized not because of genuine governance concerns but due to political rivalry.

According to the PDP, this approach reflects an attempt to discredit Obaseki’s tenure by questioning projects that were originally introduced as long-term investments for the state.

List of Projects Under Scrutiny

The party highlighted several initiatives it believes are being unfairly targeted by the government. Among the projects mentioned were:

The Museum of West African Art initiative
The 95-megawatt Ossiomo Power Project
Agricultural investments connected with Saro Farms and ethanol production in Ikpoba Okha
The Edo Printing Press located within the Nigerian Observer complex
Developments associated with Presco Plc

The PDP argued that these projects were designed to modernize the state’s economy and attract private-sector participation.

Debate Over the Radisson Hotel Development

Central to the dispute is the Radisson Hotel project. The PDP insists that the development followed a public-private partnership model commonly used in large infrastructure projects around the world.

Under that arrangement, Edo State reportedly invested about ₦2 billion as seed equity intended to reduce investor risk and encourage private capital participation. Additional funding, the party explained, came from private investors and structured financing tied to the project’s operations.

The opposition maintains that the financing mechanism was transparent and aligned with global development practices rather than the “irregular arrangement” critics have suggested.

Dispute Over Financial Structure

Another point of disagreement involves the interpretation of the funding model. According to the PDP, structures such as special purpose vehicles, equity financing, and asset-backed loans are standard tools used to deliver large-scale infrastructure.

Party officials argued that labeling the approach as questionable demonstrates a misunderstanding of how modern public-private partnerships operate.

They further claimed that such models enable governments to build major projects while sharing financial risk with private investors.

Value of the Investment

The PDP also disputed claims that the hotel project represented a financial liability for the state. Instead, the party argued that the investment has increased in value even before the hotel becomes fully operational.

According to its assessment, the state’s stake in the development is now worth significantly more than the initial investment, with estimates placing its value above ₦65 billion.

Denial of Ownership Allegations

Responding to allegations that the project may have been handed to political allies, the PDP firmly rejected the claim. The party stated that Edo State still holds equity in the project and that Obaseki has no personal ownership interest in the hotel.

It described suggestions of cronyism as malicious and damaging to the reputation of those involved in the investment.

Concerns About Investor Confidence

Beyond the immediate dispute, the PDP warned that aggressive investigations and public accusations could discourage potential investors from doing business in Edo State.

The party questioned whether pursuing projects through anti-graft probes and public criticism would contribute to economic growth, job creation, or youth development.

Calls for Governance Focus

The PDP concluded its statement by urging residents to judge the current administration based on policy performance rather than political narratives about previous governments.

According to the party, Obaseki’s administration left behind a record of institutional reforms, infrastructure expansion, and improved fiscal management. It insisted that attempts to undermine that record through political disputes will ultimately distract from the pressing needs of the state.

Commentary and Analysis

The dispute highlights the persistent political rivalry between the ruling government in Edo State and the opposition PDP. Conflicts over legacy projects are common in political transitions, particularly when infrastructure initiatives involve complex financing structures.

While the current administration may argue that it is examining past decisions for accountability, critics believe such investigations can sometimes evolve into political battles over reputation and legacy.

Observers say the outcome of this debate will likely influence both public perception and investor confidence in Edo State’s economic future.