Edo APC Insists on Credible Elections Amid Violence
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has dismissed allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it is conniving with the police to harass and arrest its members. In a statement on Tuesday evening, the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, said the party is focused on promoting transparency and free, fair, and credible elections in the state.
According to the statement, the APC would not have reacted to the unsubstantiated allegations in order not to dignify the PDP, but it is done to set the record straight and disabuse the intellectual minds of the curious Edo people. The statement also described the allegations as baseless and unfounded.
The APC highlighted a recent incident where a young man was arrested in Uromi, Esan North Local Government Area, with a gun, and made a confessional statement that the gun was procured for him and his cohorts by the Chairman of Esan North Local Government Area to fight their perceived political enemies, particularly members of the APC.
The party praised the police for their diligent pursuit of the alleged criminals, while also calling on all security agencies in the state to be vigilant and operate above board in these trying times.
The APC also took a swipe at the governor of the state, accusing him of making inciting statements that bother on treasonable felony. The party alleged that members of his party allegedly shot and killed a serving police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh, in their desperate attempt to assassinate the governorship candidate of the APC, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The party called on the well-informed Edo people to completely disregard the claim by the PDP of the arrest and harassment of its members, as the APC is focused on promoting transparency and free, fair, and credible elections in the state.
The APC’s statement comes as the PDP on Sunday called on the international community, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to turn their attention to the election in Edo. The party also accused the Nigerian Police of conniving with the APC to keep its members out of circulation.
As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, the APC is insisting that a new violence-free state is emerging, despite the killings and chaos that have been experienced during the campaigns. The party is calling on all stakeholders to work together to ensure a free and fair election.
