Election Tensions Escalate in Edo State as Political Parties Trade Accusations
The political landscape in Edo State, Nigeria, is becoming increasingly charged as the September 21, 2024 governorship election draws near. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been engaging in a war of words, accusing each other of planning to rig the election.
According to reports, the APC has alleged that the PDP and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, are in a state of panic over the exposure of the State Security Network’s (ESN) criminal plans to violently subvert the will of the people. The APC claims that the ESN was set up by Obaseki as a decoy to manipulate the election outcome.
In a statement, Prince Kassim Afegbua, Media Director, Edo APC Campaign Council, revealed that an 11,000-strong armed group allegedly sponsored by the PDP was caught directing members to hide their guns and ammunition from the police and other security forces.
However, the PDP has responded to these allegations, denying any involvement in the rigging of the election. The party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, does not need "surreptitious means" to win the election, according to Olu Martins, deputy director general, media of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council.
Martins claimed that Edo people are intelligent and observant enough to know a thoroughbred candidate. He further stated that the APC is developing cold feet for the upcoming elections, pointing out that the party’s candidate lacks the attributes of hard work and ingenuity that Dr. Ighodalo possesses.
The PDP’s candidate has been traversing the length and breadth of Edo State, espousing brilliant and lofty ideas of governance and leadership that continue to resonate with the three senatorial districts of Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North.
As the election draws near, it remains to be seen whether these allegations and counter-accusations will affect the outcome of the vote. One thing is certain, however – the people of Edo State will be watching closely to ensure that their will is respected.
