As the Edo State gubernatorial election approaches, tensions are escalating, with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to violence and intimidation tactics to sway the outcome.
In a strongly-worded statement, Chris Osa Nehikhare, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, condemned recent remarks by Kassim Afegbua, Media Consultant to the APC Governorship Campaign Council, calling them baseless and inflammatory.
Nehikhare dismissed the accusations made by Afegbua as products of the APC’s imagination, asserting that the party is attempting to tarnish the PDP’s image because they are aware of their impending loss in the September 21 governorship election.
He accused the APC of employing campaigns of calumny and instigating violence to undermine the democratic process and rig the election.
The statement also highlighted alleged incidents of violence and intimidation attributed to the APC.
Nehikhare claimed that APC thugs have caused chaos in the state, citing an incident on Airport Road that resulted in the death of a police officer.
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He also mentioned that several PDP leaders and members of the State Vigilante Network have been detained without charge in what he described as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Nehikhare criticized the APC for boasting about “federal might” and using law enforcement to harass PDP supporters. He urged the police and other security agencies to conduct themselves professionally and ensure law and order during the election period.
Addressing concerns over the postponement of school reopening in the state, Nehikhare explained that the decision was made to protect students from potential violence, as the PDP has credible information that the APC has been arming thugs to disrupt the election.
He cited a recent incident in Etsako Central Local Government Area, where an APC member allegedly shot a man for refusing to wear a campaign cap, and expressed concern that no action has been taken against the perpetrator.
As the election date draws nearer, Nehikhare reaffirmed the PDP’s confidence in their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and urged Edo citizens to come out in large numbers to vote.
He dismissed the APC candidate, Okpebholo, as an unfit choice, asserting that the people of Edo will reject any attempts to install a government that does not serve their interests.
The PDP continues to call on the public to remain vigilant against misinformation and to reject any tactics designed to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.