Edo Government alleges APC’s plans to orchestrate civil unrest

The Edo State Government has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to incite civil unrest and cause mayhem under the guise of protests and rallies to further their political agenda.

This allegation comes amid preparations for the September 21 governorship election.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the government claimed the APC’s strategy stemmed from their recognition of their candidate, Monday Okpebholo’s, inadequacies.

Nehikhare criticized Okpebholo for his lack of intellectual depth and inability to effectively communicate his vision to voters and stakeholders.

The statement accused the APC of resorting to lies and propaganda, having realized the challenge of promoting an unqualified candidate.

The government’s findings, the statement said, suggested, that the APC plans to create chaos to distract from their candidate’s weaknesses and delay meaningful electoral engagements.

The Edo State Government emphasized its awareness of the alleged plans and vowed not to allow such disruptions. Nehikhare called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin, to be vigilant and prevent any attempts at civil unrest.

“We assure the public that the government will take all necessary legal measures to prevent this planned attack and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice,” Nehikhare stated.

The government urged the APC to focus on constructive political engagement by presenting their candidate for debates and discussions with the electorate.

“Election is not war,” Nehikhare said.

He added: “Issues, vision, and manifestos should be debated in a civil and respectable manner, not through strife and chaos.”

Nehikhare encouraged the APC to allow their candidate to speak directly to the people, even in pidgin or his local Esan dialect, to enable voters to make informed decisions ahead of the election.