BARR FELIX ISERE EXPOSED EDO PDP's POLITICS OF DECEPTION, MISINFORMATION, PROPAGANDA AND GOVERNANCE FAILURES.
Exposing the Edo PDP’s Politics of Deception: Misinformation, Propaganda, and Governance Failures
By Felix Osemwengie Isere, Esq
In a democracy, the role of an opposition party is to provide constructive criticism and offer alternative solutions that enhance governance. Unfortunately, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to fall short of this responsibility. Instead of engaging in issue-based opposition, PDP remains fixated on misleading the public with falsehoods and revisionist narratives aimed at covering up the failures of the immediate past administration.
The recent statement by PDP’s chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, is another example of the party’s desperation to remain relevant despite its resounding rejection at the polls. His claims, ranging from security to internally generated revenue (IGR) and sectoral development, are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to undermine the progress made by the current administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo in just a few months.
Security: A Reality Check for PDP
One of the most glaring issues in Dr. Aziegbemi’s statement is his attempt to shift responsibility for Edo State’s security challenges onto the Okpebholo administration. He conveniently ignores the fact that under Governor Godwin Obaseki, Edo witnessed some of the worst security crises in its history.
During the previous administration, violent crimes such as kidnappings, armed robberies, and cult killings surged, . Security agencies were starved of necessary support, allowing criminal elements to operate with impunity.
During Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, hardly a week passed without a reported case of kidnapping. Some notable incidents include:
• March 15, 2024: Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the same PDP chairman now spreading falsehoods, was kidnapped around 11 p.m.
• September 2018: Mr. Henry Ashofor, APC chairman of Akoko-Edo LGA, was abducted near Ayetoro along the Igarra-Ibillo Road.
• March 2019: HRH Godwin Aigbe Osayande, Enogie of Ukhiri in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, was kidnapped from his palace.
• July 2020: The wife and relatives of the late Zakawanu Garuba, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, were kidnapped near Okpella en route to Auchi for his funeral.
• July 2022: Godwin Aigbogun, APC chairman of Ugu Ward in Orhionmwon LGA, was abducted by suspected herdsmen.
• January 2023: Within 72 hours, Hon. Festus Edughele, a state Assembly member, a staff of the Accountant-General’s office, and Mrs. Precious Aigbonoga, president of the Igueben Area Customary Court, were kidnapped.
Governor Okpebholo inherited this fragile security situation and has wasted no time taking proactive measures to address it. In just three months, he has strengthened partnerships with security agencies, launched new security initiatives, and committed significant resources to restoring safety across the state. Security challenges are not solved overnight, but unlike his predecessor, Okpebholo is demonstrating leadership by tackling the problem head-on rather than making excuses.
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Separating Facts from Fiction
PDP’s claim that Edo State’s IGR has plummeted from N8 billion to N3 billion under Okpebholo is another attempt at deception. Under Obaseki’s administration, the so-called “increase” in IGR was built on a foundation of illegal levies, over-taxation of small businesses, and the weaponization of revenue collection. Traders and transporters were harassed by non-state actors who extorted citizens in the name of tax collection.
In contrast, Governor Okpebholo is implementing a structured and business-friendly revenue system that prioritizes long-term economic growth over short-term gains. His administration is:
• Eliminating illegal levies and arbitrary taxation.
• Ensuring transparency in revenue collection.
• Creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Already, these reforms are yielding results.
Contrary to PDP's falsehoods, Edo State has recorded an impressive revenue generation of up to N10 billion under Okpebholo's leadership. This achievement reflects a more sustainable, accountable, and investor-friendly revenue system that does not rely on extortion and intimidation.
PDP's panic over the shift in revenue approach only confirms its vested interest in the corrupt and exploitative system of the past. Rather than using propaganda to mislead the public, the opposition should acknowledge that sustainable economic policies take time to yield results.
Sectoral Development: Undoing Obaseki’s Damage
Dr. Aziegbemi’s assertion that Edo State is experiencing “alarming retrogression” under Governor Okpebholo is not only laughable but also an insult to the intelligence of Edo people. If anything, the current administration is working hard to fix the mess left behind by the PDP-led government.
• Education: While Obaseki’s government invested more in propaganda than in genuine educational reform, Governor Okpebholo is actively engaging stakeholders to rebuild the sector. Schools that were neglected and teachers that were demoralized are now receiving attention.
• Healthcare: Many hospitals and health centers were left in a deplorable state, lacking basic equipment and consumables. Okpebholo’s administration is taking decisive steps to improve healthcare service delivery across the state.
• Infrastructure: Roads abandoned or poorly executed under Obaseki are now being rehabilitated. Urban planning issues and failed projects are being addressed systematically to ensure sustainable development.
The PDP has no moral standing to criticize Okpebholo on governance, given the widespread infrastructural decay and policy failures it left behind. If anything, the opposition should focus on explaining to Edo people why the Obaseki administration failed to meet their expectations after eight years in power.
The Role of Opposition: Time for Maturity
In any thriving democracy, opposition parties serve as watchdogs that hold the government accountable through constructive criticism and alternative policy recommendations. Sadly, Edo PDP has chosen a different path—one of misinformation, political theatrics, and an obsession with its past electoral defeat. Instead of reinventing itself as a credible opposition, it continues to peddle lies in an attempt to deceive the people.
Edo people are politically aware and can see through PDP’s antics. They understand that Governor Okpebholo is focused on governance, restoring dignity to the state, and correcting the many wrongs of the past. Rather than being distracted by PDP’s baseless propaganda, Edo people should remain patient as the government lays the foundation for a prosperous future.
If the PDP truly cares about the people, it should embrace a more responsible and issue-based approach to opposition. Democracy thrives when political parties engage in meaningful debate, not when they resort to misinformation and bitterness. It is time for the PDP to either step up or step aside.
Felix Osemwengie Isere, Esq
Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Oil and Gas
