The Edo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of losing grip on the escalating security crisis and resorting to political blame games to target opposition members.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Wednesday, the PDP alleged that the government, overwhelmed by rising violent crime, is planning to fabricate stories to justify attacks on its leaders and demolish their properties.
Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, claimed that the Okpebholo administration has “become clearly overwhelmed by the security crisis in Edo State and having lost control of the violent crime and criminality running amok in the State.” He further accused the government of desperation, stating, “The Monday Okpebholo-led government has now resorted to blame games, desperately attempting to use the crisis as a means of targeting and attacking the opposition, threatening them with arrest and physical attacks.”
The PDP alleged that credible sources have uncovered plans by Okpebholo and his agents to “cook up stories to implicate PDP members and stalwarts” as a pretext for illegally demolishing their houses and properties. Aziegbemi described this move as “unfortunate, shameful, appalling, and disappointing,” arguing that it reflects a government that has “thrown its arms up in surrender” rather than protecting Edo citizens.
The statement highlighted the severity of the insecurity, noting that “at least 40 innocent Edo citizens across various communities” have lost their lives in the past two weeks. Instead of seeking solutions, the PDP accused the government of deflecting responsibility. “Rather than seeking help, Okpebholo and his cronies have now resorted to blaming the opposition,” Aziegbemi said, adding that the PDP’s role has been to “raise the alarm and play our role of keeping the government on its toes.”
The opposition party also warned of potential violence, asserting that the APC’s actions are “merely a pretext to launch violent attacks on opposition members and their properties.” Aziegbemi called the strategy “ridiculous and reprehensible” and a “clear sign of failed leadership,” vowing that the PDP “will continue to speak up in the interest of our people and our democracy.”
The PDP urged the police, Department of State Services (DSS), military, civil society organizations, and Edo residents to take note of what it described as threats from the APC-led government. It also dismissed a related press statement from Mr. Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, as “devious but pedestrian.”
As Edo State grapples with a deepening security crisis, the PDP’s allegations signal a sharp escalation in political tensions, with the opposition framing the government’s response as both incompetent and vindictive.