Ahead of the September 19 Gubernatorial election in Edo State, The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plotting to subvert the coming election in the State through violent attacks and illegal detention of its party leaders and members.
The Vice-Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, of the APC National Campaign Council, Mr. Patrick Obahiagbon made the allegation at a press conference in Benin City.
Obahiagbon alleged that a plan has been hatched by the Edo State Government to detain a former Governor of the State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, over trumped-up charges on the eve of the election and also set fire on the farm of billionaire businessman, Captain Hosa Okunbo, in continuation of the alleged assault on his reputation and businesses for refusing to back the second-term agenda of Governor Obaseki.
He blamed the governor and the PDP for the violence that broke out on Saturday in Benin City resulting in several persons being hospitalised for gunshot wounds, accusing the governor of setting thugs on protesters who expressed their rejection of his second term bid.
He appealed to the Police, INEC, and other relevant stakeholders to prevail on the governor and ensure that he allows the rule of law and a level democratic playing field to hold supreme between now and the end of the Edo governorship Election in September.
Meanwhile, the PDP has called for investigation into security breach during the official visit of Governor Obaseki and members of the PDP National campaign Council to the Palace of Oba of Benin.
The call is contained in a statement signed by the National Vice chairman, South-south Zone of the party and Chairman, Edo 2020 Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih .
Orbih who called for the arrest and prosecution of those behind the assault, pointed out that the visit was officially communicated to the Palace and the various security agencies.
He stated that there was no APC event in the Palace or anywhere in Benin communicated to the security agencies and the palace in accordance with INEC guidelines.
The National Vice Chairman of the party who condemned the dastardly act by armed youths, said the assault was well coordinated by their sponsors to eliminate the National leadership of the PDP and all democratically elected governors of PDP that were expected to be with Governor Obaseki.
He stated that choosing the Palace to unleash their evil plans was an abomination and a total disrespect to the Oba of Benin and highly respected traditional institution.
The party chieftain further condemned the attack and wanton destruction of vehicles and property of PDP by the suspected thugs in broad day light in the vicinity of the Palace of the revered Oba of Benin.
While commending members of PDP and supporters for restraining themselves from retaliation, he assured them that the party would not fold its hands to watch them being attacked and killed for supporting Governor Obaseki.
