Edo APC, PDP Trade Accusations over Attack on Members After Violent Incident at INEC Office
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State have engaged in a blame game following an attack on party members at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin.
In a statement on Friday, APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe accused the PDP of orchestrating the attack on APC supporters. He condemned the “brazen gun assault,” linking it to previous violence, including the murder of Inspector Akor Onuh. Tenebe expressed concerns for the safety of his party members and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the incident. He indicated that the APC might reconsider its participation in the ongoing inspection of electoral materials at the INEC office, emphasizing that alternative security measures would be necessary for their members and legal team.
In response, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, dismissed the APC’s claims as unfounded. He asserted that PDP members have never resorted to armed violence, contrasting their approach with the APC, which he accused of having a history of claiming attacks during their campaigns. Iduoriyekemwen alleged that the violence erupted when APC members saw PDP supporters at the INEC office, leading to a shooting incident that resulted in injuries to one of their youth leaders.
