The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are at odds over charges of party secretariat destruction.
Chris Nehikhare, the state publicity secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, claimed that APC thugs attacked the party secretariat, smashing and taking away property worth millions of naira.
He claimed that the thugs also destroyed doors, windows, and office equipment, and that various electronics, computers, and other costly objects were carried away by the thugs who stormed the premises with the intention of attacking anyone discovered within.
Nehikhare decried the incident, calling it a desperate and reckless attempt by the APC to intimidate the PDP and undermine the party’s efforts to reclaim its mandate stolen in the September 21 governorship election.
He said, “It is quite disappointing and unfortunate that the APC, on Thursday, mobilised thugs to attack our party secretariat in their desperation to frustrate and halt efforts by our great party to reclaim the mandate duly given to it by the Edo people at the September 21 governorship election.
“The thugs invaded the secretariat, destroyed and carted away properties worth millions of naira.
“If the APC is confident that it won the election free and square and has nothing to hide, why are the members jittery and mobilising thugs to attack the PDP secretariat?
“This is barbaric and totally condemnable, and we urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.”
Nehikhare stated that the PDP remained determined and will not be frightened or hindered in its pursuit of justice and the restoration of its mandate.
He urged party members and supporters to stay calm and steadfast in the face of the provocations as the party pursued every legal option to restore its mandate.
Responding, the APC’s state publicity secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, dismissed the claim as unfounded and encouraged the PDP to resolve its internal conflict.
He cautioned the PDP about the APC’s nasty affair. Uwadiae-Igbinigie said it was ludicrous to identify people who allegedly attacked the PDP headquarters as APC thugs and questioned whether the assailants wore APC clothes or carried APC paraphernalia.
He stated that the APC government in the state had already begun initiatives that the PDP government had failed to implement and that the party was still enjoying the ecstasy of its win and putting the state on the correct track.
He said, “How can the PDP say that the thugs that attacked its party secretariat are those of the APC?” Did the people have anything on them to show that they are APC members? The allegation is baseless, and there is no proof.
“The allegation is weighty and criminal, so the PDP should be sure they have proof. We will urge the PDP to sort out its internal problem and not drag the APC into it.
“The APC government in the state is already embarking on projects that the PDP failed to do. These are projects that will better the lives of the people.”
