The Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have become embroiled in a fierce dispute following allegations of vandalism at the PDP secretariat, with both parties exchanging accusations regarding the attack.
Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, has accused members of the APC of orchestrating the attack on the PDP secretariat. He claims that APC thugs invaded the party’s office, causing extensive damage and looting valuable property worth millions of naira. According to Nehikhare, the assailants destroyed doors, windows, and office equipment, and made away with electronics, computers, and various valuables. He further alleged that the attackers ransacked the building in a manner that suggested they were prepared to harm anyone inside the premises.
Speaking to Punch Online, Nehikhare condemned the attack, describing it as a desperate attempt by the APC to intimidate the PDP and prevent it from reclaiming what he called a “stolen mandate” in the aftermath of the September 21 governorship election. He questioned why the APC would resort to such tactics if it were confident in the legitimacy of its electoral victory.
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.”
Nehikhare went on to ask, “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?” He condemned the attack as barbaric and called on relevant security agencies to investigate thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. Nehikhare reassured the PDP’s supporters, stating that the party would not be intimidated or deterred in its pursuit of justice and restoration of its mandate. He urged members to remain calm and steadfast despite provocations and promised that the party would pursue every legal avenue to reclaim what it believes is its rightful mandate.
In response to these allegations, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, has strongly rejected the accusations, labeling them as baseless. He advised the PDP to focus on resolving its internal conflicts instead of dragging the APC into the situation. Uwadiae-Igbinigie questioned whether the attackers had worn APC uniforms or displayed party insignia, challenging the PDP to provide evidence to substantiate its claims. He characterized the PDP’s accusation as absurd, suggesting there was no proof to back the allegations of APC involvement in the attack on the secretariat.
Uwadiae-Igbinigie further stressed that the APC-led government in Edo State had initiated numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of residents, projects that were allegedly neglected during the PDP’s tenure. He indicated that the APC was focused on advancing the state’s progress rather than engaging in the internal disputes of the PDP. 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.” He added, “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.”
Uwadiae-Igbinigie concluded by reiterating that the APC government in Edo State was already taking action to improve the welfare of the people through projects that the PDP failed to deliver during its time in power.
