Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged plots by All Progressives Congress (APC) and compromised operatives to terrorise and instill fear in Edo State to prevent citizens from exercising their civic duty.
The national publicity secretary of PDP, Hon Debo Ologungaba, at a press conference in Abuja, further accused the APC of attempting to manipulate the bio-data of process of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by “uploading emojis, pictures of foreigners, social media pictures and non-human photos as Polling and Collation Agents with the intent to smuggle in hired thugs to masquerade as Polling Agents and trigger crisis on election day.”
The election is scheduled to be held on September 21.
Ologungaba said “Additionally, the APC has in connivance with some compromised security operatives began to terrorize the people of Edo State by arresting, torturing and detaining them, particularly the youths so as to instill fear in the people and prevent them from exercising their Civic Duty.
“Notable among those arrested, harassed and dehumanized by APC-controlled security operatives include Mr. Kingsley Osahon who was arrested in Uromi, Mr. Odion Bright and Mr. Timothy Isibor who were arrested in Igueben.
“Last Wednesday, August 28, 2024, an attempt was made by the said APC-controlled operatives to arrest Chief Francis Inegbeniki, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.
“It is clear that the plan of the APC is to infuse fear in Edo State, heighten tension, instigate crisis and subvert the electoral process.
“The PDP calls on the Inspector General of Police to immediately wade in and address the situation. We also demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all Edo State citizens arrested by the APC-controlled security operatives in the State.
“In the same vein, the PDP demands an immediate investigation into apprehensions in the public domain that certain APC leaders have reportedly established secret cells in their houses and other locations where they are allegedly training and arming thugs who they intend to unleash on the peace-loving and law-abiding people of Edo State,” Ologungaba said.
He further said all credible indices across the 18 local government areas of the state show the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is coasting to a sweeping victory with no less that 65 % of the total votes expected at the election.
He said due to the overwhelming popularity and acceptability of its candidate, the PDP Campaign in Edo State has become a movement, pulling support across all ages, professions, class, communities, sectional and even political affiliations with key APC members openly and publicly campaigning and declaring support for Ighodalo.
“This situation continues to send shockwaves to the APC and its uninspiring candidate, Monday Okpebholo, who, apparently mindful of his emptiness has refused to engage the people of Edo State, the media and continues to hide behind his lying godfather, Adams Oshiomhole.
“The APC being overwhelmed by the impending crushing defeat has resorted to sinister plots and antics to subvert and derail the September 21, 2024 governorship election having realized that its candidate, Monday Okpebholo is no match to PDP’s erudite Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose manifesto and vision embody the collective aspiration and Will of the people of Edo State.
“After multiple failures to stop our candidate through the courts, the APC has been exploring ways to derail the electoral process, because it has no prospect whatsoever of winning the election.
“The APC must accept the clear fact that as far as the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State is concerned, Monday Okpebholo has no chance as the preference of the people of Edo State is in Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the PDP.
“The APC should remember that the Edo State people have a rich history of resistance to political leaders who attempt to impose themselves or their lackies on the people as being witnessed in Adams Oshiomhole and the candidature of Monday Okpebholo.
“Therefore no amount of threats, intimidation or harassment by the APC and its agents can cow or sway the people of Edo State from their resolve to elect Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP as the next governor of the State.
“The PDP again charges the people of Edo State to remain steadfast in standing shoulder to shoulder with our Party and candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo as we head to victory come September 21, 2024,” he said.