January 15, 2025
BENIN CITY, EDO STATE – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating chaos at the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal. In a press statement released today, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, alleged that APC deployed thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt proceedings at the tribunal in Benin City, Njenje Media News reports.
See the video below:
The incident, which involved sporadic gunshots near the tribunal venue, has sparked outrage and condemnation. Videos circulating on social media show an individual openly wielding a gun, a scene that PDP claims reflects APC’s desperate attempts to derail justice.
According to the PDP, this tactic is part of a broader scheme by the APC to tarnish its image and frustrate efforts to reclaim the governorship mandate allegedly won by the PDP in the last election. “The PDP is aware that its only pathway to justice is through the legal process,” the statement read. “It would be utterly senseless for anyone to suggest that the party would deploy thugs to disrupt this very process and jeopardize its own chances.”
The PDP has called on law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute the individual seen in the viral video, emphasizing the need for accountability. They criticized the police for failing to act swiftly during the incident, describing it as a failure to uphold law and order.
Furthermore, the PDP highlighted similar patterns of violence and intimidation allegedly orchestrated by APC in local councils, motor parks, and markets, accusing the ruling party of fostering lawlessness across the state.
As of the time of this report, the APC has not issued a statement addressing the allegations. However, the PDP has urged the party to rein in its supporters and desist from acts capable of escalating tension in Edo State.
The governorship election tribunal continues to be a focal point of contention, with both parties fiercely contesting the outcome of the last election. Observers have expressed concerns that incidents like today’s disruption could undermine the integrity of the judicial process and erode public trust.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
