Edo Guber: APC, PDP clash over INEC attack, materials inspection postponed

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Friday demanded the arrest and prosecution of all those who planned and executed the attack on its legal team and members during yesterday’s sporadic shooting at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City.

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Briefing journalists at the party secretariat in Benin, the State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, stated that if urgent steps are not taken to ensure the safety of its legal team and members, the party shall provide alternative security during the period the exercise will last.

Tenebe said, “An exercise that would have been seamless has become problematic and dangerous due to the alleged desperation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the governorship candidate of the party, as they have continually invaded the venue in the INEC office.

“The brazen gun attack on supporters of the APC yesterday at the INEC office by the same persons who are alleged to have murdered Inspector Akor Onuh confirmed the danger we have been facing since the tribunal granted us access to inspect materials that were used for the September 21, 2024 election.

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“In light of the prevailing situation, the All Progressives Congress demands the arrest and prosecution of all those who planned and executed the attack on our members yesterday at the INEC office. We also add that we are unable to guarantee the APC’s continuous participation in the inspection exercise at the INEC office.

“If and when we decide to take part, the APC as a party shall provide alternative security for our members and legal team during the period the exercise will last.”

In a swift reaction to the allegation via telephone, the PDP Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Council, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, said, “PDP members have never been armed and have never resorted to using guns. Using guns is part of APC’s strength. You would realise that during their campaigns, they always claimed that they were attacked.

“PDP members are not known for violence. Edo people know what transpired at Benin Airport, which resulted in the death of a police officer. APC members are always with guns, and they are known for that.

“Our lawyers have been the ones going to the INEC office to exercise and execute the valid court order. Yesterday, when they saw some PDP members wearing PDP candidate face caps, the APC thugs resorted to shooting sporadically, which led to one of our youth leaders sustaining injuries.

READ ALSO: INEC denies smuggling Edo election materials into office

“PDP will not relent in reclaiming our mandate that was stolen from us by APC.”

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Meanwhile, political parties that participated in the September 21, 2024, Governorship Election in Edo State today resolved to adjourn the tribunal-ordered joint inspection of election materials at the Benin City office of the Independent National Electoral Commission to Monday, October 14, 2024.

The parties took the decision at a joint meeting after INEC failed to organise the exercise today.

In a signed statement, the parties said their decision is based on the “inability” of INEC to commence the inspection today, October 11, 2024.

The representatives are: Obodeje Oghorin, counsel to APP; Kenny Isokpan, Chairman of the BOOT party; Osahon Obamogie, NNPP; Sylvester Ugberase, counsel to AAP; and Dr. Bishop Akahaime of the Zenith party. Others are Emperor Jarret Tenebe, Edo State chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and Victor Ohiosuma, counsel to APC.