The People’s Democratic Party, PDP Edo State gubernatorial election Campaign Council has condemned what it termed another deliberate attempt by the opposition party in the state, All Progressive Congress, APC to misinform the public with its press statement where the party through one of its spokespersons, one Felix Isere claimed that the PDP was planning to protest against the court verdict in Benin city on Tuesday.
The campaign council, in a statement released late Monday night and signed by its Director of Media Strategy, Mr. Saint Moses Eromosele, dared the APC to allow their candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo to come out of hiding to speak to Edo people about his plans for the state instead of seeking avenue to create confusion in the state by lying and misleading the people of the state.
The statement reads in parts; “…the claim that the PDP is planning a disruptive protest is based on an unnamed “reliable source” without concrete evidence, making the accusation appear speculative and unfounded…the claim that the PDP is planning a disruptive protest is based on an unnamed “reliable source” without concrete evidence, making the accusation appear speculative and unfounded.”
The statement clarified that the planned event is totally a solidarity walk for the leading Edo gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo and slammed APC for intentionally misinforming the public, “…it misrepresents the planned event, which is actually a peace march in solidarity with the exceedingly popular Dr Asue Ighodalo and not a protest related to a court decision. Such mischaracterization by Isere is calculated again to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension.”
The PDP reiterated its position of promoting peace in the state and that all the schemes of the APC to rig or manipulate the election will not work as Edo people are wise and ready to defend their rights and civil liberty, “While advocating for peace and respect for the judiciary is important, the unfortunate press release by Barr Isere could be more balanced by providing clear evidence, accurately representing the intent of the event, respecting the right to peaceful assembly, and promoting healthy political engagement. Edo people are ready to defend their rights and civil liberties and any attempt, group of attempts or attempted attempt to rig any election in Edo State would be met by superior and opposite reaction of a proportion never before imagined.”