Edo State Governorship Election: APC Calls for Resignation of PDP Running Mate

In a recent development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has called for the resignation of Osarodion Ogie, the running mate to the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. According to the APC, Ogie’s decision to remain in office as Secretary to the State Government while campaigning as a candidate is unacceptable and an affront to the people of Edo State.

The APC argues that Ogie’s continuous stay in office is a clear violation of all known rules of decency and ethics, as well as public service rules that prohibit public servants from using public resources to fund private purposes. The party claims that Ogie is currently earning salary and other official benefits as Secretary to the State Government, even while pursuing a private ambition to become deputy governor.

In a statement, the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Jarrett Tenebe, said, "As an unelected public officer, Ogie is given an ultimatum to resign from government forthwith as his continuous stay in office is a clear violation of all known rules of decency and ethics. By remaining in office, while posing as running mate in the governorship election, Ogie is also in violation of the public service rules which prohibit a public servant from using public resources to fund private purposes."

However, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, described the APC’s call as "clueless" and claimed that the Electoral Act permits Ogie to remain in office until one month before the election. Nehikhare accused the APC of not being able to read the electoral law, which states that public office holders can remain in office until 30 days before the election.

The controversy has sparked debate about the ethics of public office holders engaging in political activities while still holding public office. While the APC sees Ogie’s actions as unacceptable and corrupt, the PDP claims that the Electoral Act allows for public office holders to remain in office until a certain period before the election.

The drama surrounding Ogie’s candidacy has raised questions about the integrity of the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen whether Ogie will heed the APC’s call to resign or continue to serve as Secretary to the State Government while campaigning as a candidate.