Edo State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has defended Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ₦2.5 billion intervention at University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), describing it as a life-saving intervention rather than a political move.
Gatekeepers News reports that this followed criticism from the factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which faulted the governor for channeling resources to a federal hospital.
In a statement signed by Barr. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, the party dismissed the PDP’s position as baseless and mischief-driven, insisting that UBTH remains a critical referral hospital serving thousands of Edo residents daily.
It said, “From road accident victims, to mothers in need of emergency care, to children requiring critical surgery, UBTH remains the lifeline for thousands of Edo families. Supporting UBTH is therefore a direct investment in Edo lives.”
APC further accused PDP of neglecting the health sector during its time in power, pointing to the closure of Stella Obasanjo Hospital and the alleged underutilisation of the Edo Specialist Hospital despite huge financial investments.
According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo’s intervention was not philanthropy, but a deliberate strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The statement added, “Edo people do not care whether a hospital is tagged ‘state’ or ‘federal’ when emergencies arise. What they want is a functional hospital that can save lives.”
“Instead of commending this bold initiative, the PDP has chosen to play petty politics, twisting facts to prepare the ground for 2027.
But Edo people are not deceived.”
“They remember clearly who abandoned their hospitals for years, and they now see a governor who is taking practical steps to fix the rot.”
The ruling party maintained that the Governor would remain focused on improving healthcare facilities rather than engaging in political distractions.
APC noted that Governor Monday Okpebholo remains focused and will not be distracted by the PDP’s bitterness and mischief.
According to the party, the Governor’s priority is the well-being of Edo people, and he will continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure across the state to ensure every citizen has access to quality medical care.
It concluded, “Edo deserves truth, and the truth is simple: Governor Okpebholo is building a stronger, healthier Edo State.”
APC Governor Monday Okpebholo is building a stronger, healthier Edo State, and will not be swayed by the PDP’s bitterness and mischief,” the statement concluded.
