Edo Governorship Race Heats Up: APC and PDP Trade Accusations Amidst Intensifying Campaigns

As the governorship election in Edo State draws closer, the political landscape is heating up with heightened tensions between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Both parties are among the 17 political groups fielding candidates for the election scheduled for 21st September 2024, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The fierce competition has sparked a war of words between the two main contenders, with each side levelling serious allegations against the other.

In recent weeks, the APC and PDP have accused each other of plotting to manipulate the election, allegedly using the state-owned Security Network and federal influence to rig the outcome.

This back-and-forth has escalated as the election approaches, with each party seeking to undermine the credibility of their opponent while bolstering their own standing among Edo voters.

In the latest round of accusations, the APC has claimed that the PDP and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, are panicking due to exposed plans involving the Edo State Security Network (ESN).

Prince Kassim Afegbua, the Media Director of the Edo APC Campaign Council, alleged that the ESN, established by Governor Obaseki, was designed as a facade to violently disrupt the electoral process and subvert the will of the people of Edo State.

Afegbua further alleged that a group of 11,000 armed men, supposedly sponsored by the PDP, were discovered this week issuing verbal instructions through their WhatsApp group to conceal their weapons from the watchful eyes of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

He claimed, “In three of such disclosures in one of their WhatsApp groups, the government’s evil plans to violently rig the election were busted.

One of the voice notes directed members to hide their arms and ammunition for fear of arrest, while another stated that in the event of any arrest, there should be resistance.”

Afegbua also mentioned that there were instructions for these groups to conduct roadblocks or stop-and-search operations, with orders to ensure that no fewer than five personnel were involved in any such activities, potentially indicating an organised effort to control key points during the election.

In response, the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council of the PDP dismissed the APC’s allegations as baseless and insisted that their candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, does not need to resort to any underhanded tactics to secure victory.

The Deputy Director-General of Media for the PDP campaign, Olu Martins, described the allegations as a desperate attempt by the APC to discredit a formidable candidate. Martins stated, “Edo people are intelligent and observant enough to know a thoroughbred candidate.

Dr Asue Ighodalo does not need any introduction to Nigerians who appreciate hard work and ingenuity—attributes that are strange to the APC.”

Martins went on to criticise the APC’s claims as unconvincing and indicative of the party’s anxiety ahead of the election. “It seems the APC is already developing cold feet for the upcoming election.

I read a rather boring write-up which reeks of a worn-out methodology that plans were underway by the State Government to rig the election for our candidate, the very ebullient and cerebral Dr Asue Ighodalo,” he said.

He accused the APC of a longstanding habit of spreading lies and falsehoods, pointing out that such tactics were consistent with Kassim Afegbua’s “anachronistic style of campaign of calumny.”

Martins defended the PDP’s candidate, asserting that Dr Ighodalo has been actively engaging with voters across the state, presenting innovative ideas and solutions that resonate with residents from the three senatorial districts of Edo South, Edo Central, and Edo North.

“Dr Asue Ighodalo has been the most intellectually engaging candidate in the race to Osadebey Avenue.

His media and live engagements continue to stimulate the minds and consciences of the Edo voting population,” Martins added, emphasising Ighodalo’s extensive experience and widespread appeal.

As the election date nears, the rivalry between the APC and PDP is expected to intensify further, with each party seeking to outmanoeuvre the other in a high-stakes battle for control of Edo State.

Voters are caught in the crossfire of accusations and counter-accusations, making the choice of leadership ever more critical in an environment charged with political rhetoric and allegations of electoral manipulation.

The outcome of the election will not only determine the political future of Edo State but also reflect broader trends in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.