The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday criticised Governor Monday Okpebholo for approving ₦2.5 billion for the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), a federal institution.
Governor Okpebholo announced on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the hospital’s newly appointed Chief Medical Director, Dr. Idia Ize-Iyamu, to the Government House in Benin City. During the visit, Ize-Iyamu had sought the state government’s support to establish a world-class paediatric centre at UBTH, a request the governor promptly granted.
However, the PDP, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, condemned the move, arguing that the funds should have been directed toward the improvement of state-owned healthcare facilities.
The party described the decision as “reckless” and indicative of what it called the governor’s obsession with political optics ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is nothing short of a reckless misadventure and yet another example of the political grandstanding that has marked Governor Okpebholo’s short time in office,” the statement read. “Instead of focusing on reviving state-run hospitals that serve the people of Edo directly, the governor has chosen to invest public resources in a federal institution that falls outside the state’s core responsibilities.”
The PDP echoed concerns raised by the Association of Resident Doctors under the Edo State Government, who had criticized the decision as a misplaced priority.
The party also pointed to the underutilization of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, rebuilt with state funds, noting that most of the facility remains locked and inactive. It questioned why the ₦2.5 billion was not allocated there instead.
“The Edo Specialist Hospital is still in dire need of expansion and support. The General Hospital in Abudu is barely functioning — more like a glorified patent medicine store — yet the state government is giving away ₦2.5 billion as if it were some act of philanthropy,” the PDP stated. “This money belongs to Edo people, and it should serve their health needs directly.”
The statement also drew attention to the unresolved grievances of doctors in state hospitals, who only recently suspended a strike over unmet demands.
“Edo people did not elect a governor to serve as a benefactor to federal agencies. They elected a leader to rebuild our healthcare system, invest in local capacity, and make quality care accessible to all. Sadly, Governor Okpebholo has failed in that duty, showing a clear disconnect from the realities faced by everyday citizens.”
The party called for the immediate reversal of the decision and urged the governor to redirect the funds to strengthen Edo’s own healthcare infrastructure.
“This is not governance. It’s a wasteful political stunt, and Edo people will not forget,” the statement concluded.
Attempts to obtain an official government response were unsuccessful as of press time. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a formal statement would be released on Thursday.
