The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a strong attack against the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. The PDP described the ongoing probe of the Radisson Hotel project and other legacy initiatives of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. They called it a “dangerous, self-serving mission.” The party further alleged it was fueled by “intellectual bankruptcy” and vendetta.

A PDP spokesperson, Osa-Ogbegie, dismissed a statement by Kassim Afegbua on the Radisson Hotel. He called it a “cocktail of ignorance and mischief.” Osa-Ogbegie stated that Afegbua’s comments showed a “frightening illiteracy” in finance, social investments, and modern development economics.

The PDP accused Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration of a “pathological obsession” with former Governor Obaseki. They alleged a consistent pattern of hostility. This pattern, the PDP claims, aims to “dismantle and demonize” successful legacy projects.

The PDP urged Edo people to reject this “politics of destruction.” They called on residents to hold the Okpebholo administration accountable. The party emphasized the need for “governance, not gossip,” and for “results, not resentment.”

PDP Responds to Afegbua’s Allegations

The PDP stated it would normally ignore what it called the “latest illiterate outburst” from Kassim Afegbua. Afegbua is the Edo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy. The party noted that the issue is already in court. However, to protect the public from “calculated falsehoods” and “deliberate mischief” from the APC, they felt compelled to respond. This was to prevent the spread of propaganda and misinformation.

The PDP asserted that Kassim Afegbua is on a “dangerous, self-serving mission.” He is acting for his “APC godfathers.” His goal, they claim, is to tarnish Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s image. This is done by trivializing and distorting Obaseki’s “disciplined, transparent, and forward-looking” performance as governor. The PDP concluded that Afegbua’s assignment is “beneath governance.” They called it “vendetta, propaganda, and disinformation.”

Alleged “Pathological Obsession” with Obaseki’s Legacy

The current administration’s obsession with Obaseki has become “pathological,” according to the PDP. Since taking office, the Okpebholo government has reportedly acted in “blind rage.” They are determined to dismantle and demonize Obaseki’s legacy projects. The PDP argues this is not because the projects failed. Instead, it is because they succeeded and set standards the current government “neither understands nor can replicate.”

The PDP highlighted several projects facing what it termed “reckless onslaught.” These include the Museum of West African Art. They also mentioned hostility towards the 95MW Ossiomo Power Project. The party noted the “harassment” of Saro Farms and the ethanol investment in Ikpoba Okha. Additionally, they observed the “deliberate crippling” of the Edo Printing Press. An “embarrassing misadventure” against Presco Plc also occurred, from which the government later retreated. This retreat followed public outrage and investor backlash. Now, the Radisson Hotel project is the latest target of this “politics of destruction.”

The PDP asserted this pattern is neither accidental nor coincidental. They described it as the conduct of a government lacking ideas, vision, and a basic grasp of modern governance. The party claims the administration cannot conceive, design, or execute development projects. Therefore, it resorts to tearing down investments it neither initiated nor understands.

Radisson Hotel Project: A Defense of Development Finance

Kassim Afegbua’s statement regarding the Radisson Hotel project is a “cocktail of ignorance and mischief,” according to the PDP. It reveals a “frightening illiteracy” in finance, social investments, and modern development economics. The PDP stressed that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Special Purpose Vehicles, equity contributions, project-finance loans, and asset-backed repayment structures are not criminal. These are standard practices in global infrastructure development, the party explained.

Under Godwin Obaseki, Edo State moved from basic, “rent-seeking” governance. It embraced international best practices in fiscal discipline, transparency, and investment-led growth. The PDP noted that an Information Commissioner criticizing standard project-finance instruments exposes the current administration’s “intellectual bankruptcy.”

The PDP clarified the Radisson Hotel project’s structure as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Edo State contributed ₦2 billion as seed equity. This injection aimed to de-risk the project and attract private capital. The core private investor also brought in significant equity. Other funds, including parts of bond proceeds mentioned by the government, were loans to the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). These funds covered construction and completion, with clear repayment obligations from future operations. The PDP emphasized this is “not plunder,” but “development finance.”

Even before opening, Edo’s investment in the Radisson project has greatly appreciated. It is conservatively valued at over ₦65 billion. Further value increase is expected once operations begin. The PDP stated this shows what happens when governments think strategically. They attract private capital and invest in long-term economic assets.

The PDP rejected claims that the project was “sold for peanuts” or given to cronies. They called these insinuations false, malicious, and defamatory. Edo State still holds equity in the project. Mr. Godwin Obaseki had no direct or indirect ownership interest in the hotel, the party affirmed. Attempts to suggest otherwise are “desperate inventions” of an incompetent government. This government, they said, seeks scapegoats to hide its failures.

What Kassim Afegbua and his principals call “voodoo financing” is a globally accepted method. This method helps serious governments deliver infrastructure. It stimulates tourism, creates jobs, and grows economies. The PDP argued that their inability to understand it does not make it fraudulent. It only ” exposes their illiteracy.”

Call for Accountability and True Governance

Edo people must ask the Okpebholo administration simple questions, the PDP urged. “How does chasing away investors create jobs?” they asked. “How does dragging strategic investments to the EFCC and the courts improve the lives of our youths?” Another question posed was: “How does propaganda substitute for governance?”

The Peoples Democratic Party will not idly watch the APC drag Edo State backward. They will not allow erosion of investor confidence or attempts to rewrite history with “noise and falsehoods.” Godwin Obaseki’s legacy, the PDP stated, is solid. It includes rebuilt institutions, delivered infrastructure, and restored fiscal discipline. Edo State’s credibility was also rehabilitated both nationally and internationally.

No amount of propaganda from Kassim Afegbua or his “APC lions and tigers” can erase this record, the PDP concluded. They urged Edo people to “see through this charade.” Residents should reject the “politics of destruction.” They must hold the Okpebholo administration accountable for “governance, not gossip.” The PDP demanded “results, not resentment,” and “leadership, not loud ignorance.”