The political atmosphere in Edo State heated up on Wednesday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state government traded accusations over Governor Monday Okpebholo’s performance in his first year in office.

At a press conference on Thursday, Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, described Okpebholo’s first year as “a wasted one,” alleging a collapse of governance, economic stagnation, and fiscal recklessness. He claimed the administration had reversed gains made in previous years, particularly in land administration, accusing the government of crippling private investment by failing to sign Certificates of Occupancy.

Aziegbemi said the Edo Geographic Information Service (EdoGIS), which he noted previously enhanced transparency in land matters, had been “destroyed,” adding that only 25 Certificates of Occupancy had been signed in the last year compared to about 1,000 monthly under the former administration.

Reacting, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dismissed the PDP’s allegations as misleading, describing the party’s leaders as “comedians” seeking attention. He insisted the Okpebholo administration is focused on delivering infrastructural development, including road projects, flyovers, school renovations, and primary healthcare improvements.

Afegbua maintained that the state has become “a construction site,” accusing the PDP of relying on propaganda and refusing to acknowledge visible development efforts.

The war of words comes as the governor marks his first anniversary in office, with both parties intensifying political messaging ahead of future contests.