The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Friday alleged that it had uncovered plans by the Peoples Democratic Party to cause chaos by attacking selected polling and collation centres during Saturday’s by-election in Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency.
In a statement signed by the state APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, the party also alleged that the state PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and a top party chieftain, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, were part of the plot.
However, Aziegbemi, who chairs the PDP caretaker committee in the state, dismissed the allegation in a message to journalists, describing it as “absolute nonsense.”
PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, also said the APC did not deserve a response, adding, “All we demand is a level playing field for a free, fair and transparent election.”
Inegbeniki also denied any plan to disrupt the election, describing the APC’s claims as “malicious, false, and misleading.”
The APC statement read, “The All Progressives Congress wishes to inform the general public, and in particular, electorates in Edo State, that we have uncovered a dastardly plan by the remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party to cause chaos by attacking some selected polling and collation centres on Saturday in the Edo Central and Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.
“Last (Thursday) night, a large crowd of thugs suspected to have been imported from neighbouring states was seen gathered at Chief Francis Inegbeniki’s home in Opoji, Esan West Local Government Area of the state, and they were dispatched last night to various points in Edo Central.
“We have earlier reported to the security agencies that Inegbeniki played a major role in the murder of Inspector Akor, but sadly, he has been left to walk the streets freely unchallenged. One of those who attended the briefing informed us that they were brought from neighbouring states for the purpose of the senatorial election.
“Similarly, strange-looking youngsters in several unmarked buses were seen last night, parked at the residence of the state caretaker chairman of the PDP, Mr. Tony Aziegbemi, in Benin City, and again we have been told that the unidentified fierce-looking men have been dispatched to Ovia North East and Ovia South West Local Government Areas to disrupt the re-run election.”
Tenebe urged the Nigerian Police to arrest the PDP leaders and others allegedly involved to prevent attacks on voters, stressing that elections should not be treated as war.
He said the APC remained committed to the principles of free, fair, and credible elections, adding that the party had campaigned vigorously and was ready to win both by-elections overwhelmingly.
“We are advising Aziegbemi and his cohorts that they should not stand in our way to victory, but if they insist on their evil plans to constitute themselves as hurdles, they will be the way. Saturday’s election shall be the testament and confirmation of the 2.5 million votes Edo people have promised President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. We call on all eligible voters to turn out in their numbers to cast their votes unhindered,” Tenebe added.
In his response, Inegbeniki said, “My attention has been drawn to a libellous press release signed by a self-styled Emperor Jarret Tenebe, where my name was mentioned as one of those mobilising thugs to disrupt the Saturday election in Esan Land (Edo Central Senatorial District).
“I take exception to that reckless statement coming from the mouth of a deserter soldier man. It is clear that Tenebe needs urgent mental health attention, and he should not be taken seriously.
“Tenebe has become a disgrace to the APC. He is known for his reckless talks; he talks before thinking.”*
He urged the people of Edo Central to go about their civic duties peacefully and turn out to vote.
*“The APC must begin to watch the activities of Jarret Tenebe. He is known in the past to make this kind of reckless statement so that the APC can release money to him to counter the so-called imaginary thugs. This must be one of such statements to collect money from the APC.
“Once again, I deny any involvement in the death of Inspector Akor. I was not on Airport Road on the day of the incident, nor did I plan or conspire with anyone. I am innocent of the allegations. It is now clear that it was Tenebe who framed up the allegations against me just to smear my hard-earned reputation.
“Being an innocent and law-abiding Nigerian, I have already instituted a libel action against Jaret Tenebe and his cohorts. We are in court, and I believe I will get justice”, he stated.
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