Benin City, January 15, 2025 — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of deploying masked thugs to disrupt the Governorship Election Tribunal proceedings in Benin City. The PDP claims that the APC, fearing the outcome of the tribunal, resorted to using thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to create chaos and tarnish the PDP’s image.
The shooting incident occurred at the venue of the Governorship Election Tribunal, causing panic and disrupting the legal process. The PDP has strongly dissociated itself from the incident, labeling it as another attempt by the APC to frustrate the tribunal’s proceedings and undermine the PDP’s efforts to reclaim the mandate given to them by the people of Edo State in the last governorship election.
The PDP has questioned the logic behind the accusations, stating that it would be senseless for the party to disrupt the very process that offers them a chance to reclaim their mandate. The party emphasized that their only pathway to justice is through the legal process, and they would not jeopardize their chances by resorting to violence.
The PDP has accused the APC of orchestrating the chaos by disguising their thugs in PDP-branded attire in a desperate attempt to mislead the public. The PDP also revealed that they had directed all their supporters and members to stay away from the tribunal proceedings, anticipating the APC’s plans to instigate violence.
The PDP has expressed surprise that the police did not arrest the individual who was seen shooting sporadically in public. They have called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that the gun-wielding thug, whose face was clearly visible in the video circulating on social media, is arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
The PDP has highlighted a pattern of intimidation and harassment by the APC, citing similar tactics used in local councils, motor parks, and markets. They have called on the APC to rein in their thugs and put an end to the lawlessness that threatens to lead to a total breakdown of order in the state.
The PDP has made it clear that they will not be deterred by the APC’s tactics and will continue to pursue justice through the legal process. They have called on the people of Edo State to remain vigilant and support their efforts to reclaim the mandate given to them in the last governorship election.
