Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the ongoing governorship election tribunal proceedings in Benin City.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP condemned the shooting incident that occurred at the tribunal venue, describing it as part of a calculated attempt by the APC to frustrate justice.
“The All Progressives Congress in Edo State, clearly scared of justice, has continued its devious ploy to frustrate our party from reclaiming the mandate duly given to us by the good people of Edo State in the last governorship election,” Dr. Aziegbemi stated.
He alleged that the APC orchestrated the violence by deploying thugs dressed in PDP-branded attire, aiming to tarnish the PDP’s reputation and mislead the public.
“Pray tell, why would the PDP attempt to disrupt the only opportunity it has to reclaim the mandate given to it by the people of Edo State during the last governorship election? The PDP is aware that its only pathway to justice is through the legal process, so it would be utterly senseless for anyone to suggest that the party would deploy thugs to disrupt this very process,” the statement read.
Dr. Aziegbemi also criticized the APC for what he called “a poorly executed attempt to advance their devious plans” and expressed disappointment at the lack of arrests following the shooting incident, despite the shooter being clearly visible in a widely circulated video.
The PDP leader further called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrator is apprehended and prosecuted, while urging the APC to rein in their alleged thugs.
“The APC must call their thugs, who they describe as lions and tigers, to order. The same tactics deployed at the tribunal today are being employed in local councils, motor parks, and markets, where thugs harass, intimidate, and extort citizens daily,” Dr. Aziegbemi added.
He concluded by warning that such acts of lawlessness could lead to a total breakdown of order in the state if not immediately curtailed.