Political tension escalated in Edo State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) clashed over allegations of vandalism at the PDP secretariat.
Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, claimed that individuals linked to the APC carried out a destructive raid on the PDP state secretariat.
He alleged that the attackers damaged doors, windows, and office furniture, and stole valuable items such as electronics and computers.
Speaking on the incident, Nehikhare labeled the attack a deliberate move by the APC to destabilize the PDP and hinder its ongoing legal efforts to reclaim its mandate following the disputed 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.”
However, the APC denied the accusations. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, APC State Publicity Secretary, dismissed the claims as baseless and unfounded. He questioned the evidence linking APC to the attack and accused the PDP of creating distractions to mask its internal issues.
He said, “How can the PDP say that the thugs that attacked its party secretariat are that of 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.”
