By Kolawole Ojebisi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked security agencies in the country to be on the alert, alleging that the supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are planning a protest to “influence” proceedings at the Edo governorship election petition tribunal.
The demonstration, according to APC, is reportedly scheduled for Tuesday in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement issued by Jarrett Tenebe, the APC chairman in Edo state on Monday.
Tenebe urged security operatives to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent a potential disruption at the attorney-general’s office by the protesters.
He also asked men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Army to be on the watch over the situation.
“The disruption allegedly aims to influence the ongoing Edo State Governorship tribunal”, Tenebe said.
He added that the ruling party will not tolerate any attempt to compromise the judicial process or disrupt the peace.
Recall that on January 25, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was relocated from Benin City to Abuja, days after a gunfire incident disrupted one of its sessions.
Social media videos showed a man firing a locally made gun into the air, causing panic as lawyers, tribunal members, and attendees scrambled for safety. The PDP and APC traded blame over the incident.
Recall too, that on September 24, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the APC, as the winner of the September 21 governorship election in Edo state.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), polled a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo and the PDP are challenging Okpebholo’s victory at the tribunal.
