By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The All Progressive Congress,, APC, has alleged plans by its main rival, the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, and its Gubernatorial candidate in the September 2024 off circle election in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to manipulate the ongoing proceedings at the Election Petition Tribunal.
To this end, the Edo State Chapter Chairman of the Party, Jarret Tenebe, on Friday, January 17, 2025, called party faithful across the State to remain vigilant and monitor closely the activities of the PDP at the Tribunal.
The Party’s position is coming on the heels of the disruption of proceedings at the Tribunal on Wednesday, January 15, by suspected hired hoodlums.
The Source reports that since the ousting of the PDP, in the September 21, 2024 Governorship polls, by APC, the two bitter rival political platforms have been engaged in a battle of attrition.
The bout of accusations and counter- accusations that emanated from the outcome of the elections were escalated on December 15, 2024 following the controversial suspension of the 18 PDP elected Local Council Chairmen, by the APC led state Government.
The festering battle of wits ,
between the two sworn bitter rivals took its toll on the State’s Election Tribunal, following the eruption of sporadic gunshots that led to the disruption of proceedings.
Chieftains of the two parties have since been engaged in a blame game over the unfortunate incident that has served to heighten tensions in the State.
The APC Chairman, in a statement, accused the PDP, and Chief Ighodalo of being desperate and bent on influencing the outcome of the Tribunal sitting.
“As chairman of the APC in Edo State, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing Governorship Tribunal case.
“This case has significant implications for the democratic process, the rule of law and the rights of our citizens.
“We urge all members of our party, as well as the general public to remain vigilant and closely monitor development in this case.
“We must ensure that the opposition PDP and its desperate candidate, Asue Ighodalo, do not manipulate the process”, part of the APC statement reads.
The APC ,also, reinstated its position accusing the PDP of being responsible for Wednesday’s disruption of proceedings at the Tribunal, using hired thugs and other miscreants.
According to the APC Chairman, the deliberate disruption of the Tribunal sitting is part of the wider orchestrated plans to manipulate the the system.
” We call upon the Judiciary to act with impartiality and fairness and to ensure that all parties involved are treated equitably.
“We also urge all parties involved in the case to conduct themselves with respect and dignity and refrain from any actions that may undermine the judicial process”, Tenebe emphasized.
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