The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for the upcoming Edo State governorship election has raised serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP claims that the APC is collaborating with corrupt elements within the Nigeria Police Force to harass, intimidate, and prosecute PDP members. According to the PDP, this alleged scheme is intended to destabilize the state and create chaos ahead of the election.
Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, who is the Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Organisation, made these accusations during a press conference in Benin City. He recalled a specific incident of political violence that occurred on July 18, which resulted in the death of a police officer. Iduoriyekemwen asserted that this violence was carried out by known APC thugs who have not yet been apprehended by the police. He further alleged that these individuals are operating with impunity due to their connections with the APC.
In addition to this, Iduoriyekemwen criticized recent actions by the APC, claiming that the party has attempted to manipulate the Deputy Inspector General of Police. He alleged that the APC orchestrated a petition against Kelly Ilenedagbor, the Chairman of Esan North East, accusing him of illegal activities such as carrying pump-action guns. Iduoriyekemwen argued that this petition was a ploy to further the APC’s agenda of undermining the PDP and causing confusion in the state.
The PDP is calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to uphold the integrity of his office and ensure that the police serve all Nigerians impartially, rather than acting as an extension of the APC. They have urged the IGP to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into these allegations. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the State Chairman of the PDP, has also voiced concerns that the police are favoring the APC. He claimed that complaints from the PDP are not being addressed as swiftly as those from the APC, suggesting a bias in the handling of these matters.
In response to these allegations, the APC has issued a statement through its Director of Publicity, Orobosa Omo-Ojo. The APC accused the PDP of attempting to obstruct and harass the police to prevent an investigation into violent crimes allegedly committed by PDP supporters. According to the APC, the PDP’s actions are a distraction from their own involvement in violence and mismanagement.
The APC’s statement also addressed the issue of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), which the PDP has linked to recent violence. The APC contends that rather than disbanding the ESSN, which they claim was responsible for the death of Police Inspector Unuh Akor, the PDP has irresponsibly implicated innocent people in their accusations. The APC pointed out that the Vanguard Newspapers had apologized for publishing a misleading advertorial that included the names and images of innocent individuals.
The APC also refuted claims related to an incident involving the arrest of an aide to Hon. Kelly Ilenedagbor. They claimed that the aide was found with various weapons and confessed that these were provided by Ilenedagbor. The APC rejected the PDP’s narrative that the APC orchestrated violence against the Deputy Governor and a senator, describing it as an illogical attempt to shift blame.
The APC has called on the National Security Adviser to take action against the ESSN, which they claim is affiliated with the current governor’s private security force. They argue that the PDP’s attempts to frame the APC are part of a broader strategy to deflect attention from their own alleged criminal activities.
This unfolding political drama highlights the tense and contentious nature of the governorship election in Edo State, with both parties accusing each other of wrongdoing and attempting to influence the outcome through various means.
