PDP Warns APC Against Intimidation Tactics Ahead of Edo Governorship Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning them against continued acts of violence, intimidation, and harassment of Edo State citizens in the run-up to the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The PDP has accused the APC of orchestrating these actions as part of a broader scheme to undermine the electoral process and intimidate voters, with the aim of rigging the election in their favour.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, addressed these concerns during a media briefing in Abuja.

He highlighted a series of incidents that allegedly involved APC leaders colluding with compromised police officers to unlawfully target PDP supporters and innocent citizens of Edo State.

According to Ologunagba, these attacks are designed to instil fear among voters and deter them from participating in the election, thereby creating an environment conducive to electoral fraud.

Ologunagba noted that the PDP’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has garnered overwhelming support from the electorate, with projections indicating that he could secure over 68 per cent of the expected votes.

This strong backing has reportedly prompted the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, to resort to desperate measures, including the use of violence, to disrupt the electoral process and diminish the resolve of the Edo State populace.

The PDP spokesperson provided specific examples of the alleged misconduct by the APC. On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, Ologunagba recounted an attempt by operatives allegedly controlled by the APC to arrest Chief Francis Inegbeniki, a prominent politician who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.

The move was perceived as an act of political retribution, aimed at dissuading others from switching allegiances.

Further illustrating the APC’s aggressive tactics, Ologunagba detailed an incident on September 4, 2024, when APC agents reportedly stormed the residence of Shina, another recent defector to the PDP.

Shina was forcibly removed from his home amidst sporadic gunfire, intended to intimidate the community and suppress support for the PDP.

The situation escalated on Sunday, September 8, 2024, when thugs allegedly hired by APC leaders attacked a PDP rally in Edo North.

The attackers destroyed campaign materials and attempted to disrupt the event, but were met with resistance from PDP supporters who stood their ground in defence of their candidate.

Ologunagba praised the courage and resilience of the PDP members and supporters who confronted the attackers, highlighting the broad base of support that Dr. Ighodalo enjoys in Edo North.

Ologunagba condemned these actions as a direct assault on the democratic rights of the people of Edo State.

He stressed that the APC’s alleged tactics represent a dangerous affront to the principles of free and fair elections, and warned that such conduct would not be tolerated.

The PDP called on all relevant security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS), to remain impartial and to take decisive action against any attempts to compromise the electoral process.

Moreover, the PDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the election is conducted in a transparent and credible manner, free from the influence of any political party or external pressure.

Ologunagba emphasised the importance of INEC’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the election, and in ensuring that the will of the people of Edo State is accurately reflected in the results.

In his address, Ologunagba appealed directly to the voters of Edo State, encouraging them not to be intimidated by the APC’s alleged tactics of fear and coercion.

He urged them to remain steadfast and resolute in exercising their right to vote, and to reject any attempts to undermine their democratic freedoms.

The PDP reassured its supporters that it would continue to stand firm against any actions that threaten the integrity of the electoral process, and vowed to hold the APC accountable for any acts of violence or intimidation.

As the election date approaches, tensions remain high in Edo State, with the PDP continuing to monitor the situation closely.

The party’s warning serves as a call to action for all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that the will of the people prevails in the upcoming governorship election.

The unfolding events in Edo State will undoubtedly be closely watched, as they may set a precedent for the conduct of future elections across Nigeria.