Tony Osauzo, Benin
Ahead of next Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, yesterday, raised the alarm that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was mobilising thugs from Bayelsa, Delta and River states. The party said the thugs were being recruited to cause mayhem, anarchy and bloodshed before and during the elections.
In a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, the party accused PDP of plotting to adopt the Venezuelan model of crisis resolution. It disclosed that intelligence made available to the party was disturbing owing to the cache of police uniforms and large quantity of machetes recently intercepted by security operatives. APC, therefore, called on security agencies to be proactive and on the alert, while alleging further that the PDP had embarked on hate propaganda and spurious allegations to discredit the entire electoral process in its desperation to regain power.
“For the PDP, the election is a do or die but for us it is an integrity test for the main contender.
It is an avenue for Nigerians to align with the drive to stamp out corruption from our political culture. The PDP must not be given the platform to resume their nefarious activities and the looting of our common heritage,” APC said.
But in his reaction, spokesman for Edo PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, denied the allegation, saying it was the Edo State government that plans to import thugs and cause mayhem during the elections.
“That is laughable. Why would we be involving thugs when the election is ours to win? Edo people are with us. We are enjoying their support,” Nehikhare said.