Political tensions escalated in Edo State on Friday, August 15, as the All Progressives Congress accused the Peoples Democratic Party of planning to instigate violence during Saturday’s by-elections in Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency.
In a statement signed by its state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, the APC claimed it had uncovered a scheme allegedly involving PDP caretaker chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and party leader, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, to target specific polling and collation centres.
According to Tenebe, groups of suspected thugs from neighbouring states were seen at Inegbeniki’s home in Opoji, Esan West, before being deployed to parts of Edo Central.
He further alleged that armed men gathered at Aziegbemi’s Benin City residence had been sent to Ovia North East and Ovia South West to cause disruptions.
Calling on security agencies to act swiftly, Tenebe warned that elections should not be treated as a battlefield.
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“We are advising Aziegbemi and his cohorts that they should not stand in our way to victory,” he said.
The PDP swiftly dismissed the claims. Aziegbemi described them as “absolute nonsense,” while party publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, said the APC was not worthy of a reply.
“All we demand is a level playing field for a free, fair and transparent election,” Nehikhare stated.
Inegbeniki also rejected the accusations, labelling them “malicious, false, and misleading.”
He denied any link to the death of Inspector Akor, stressed his innocence, and disclosed that he had filed a libel suit against Tenebe. He urged Edo residents to turn out peacefully to vote.