APC, PDP Trade Accusations
By Hamilton Nwosa( Head, The New Diplomat Polling and data analysis desk)
The fierce race for the governorship seat of Edo state has assumed fierce dimension with both governorship candidates of the two leading political parties, Pastor Oasgie Ize-Iyamu (APC) and Governor Godwin Obaseki (PDP) are in feverish battle for votes with just 24 days to the crucial governorship polls on September 19.
Reports from our field correspondents indicate that with both parties engaging in ward to ward campaign, the titanic war over the political soul of Edo state has thrown caution to the winds with both sides accusing each other of political attacks and counter attacks.
While the APC was campaigning in Edo North specifically in Jattu, Estako West LGA in Edo North Senatorial zone, the party promised to implement the Simple Agenda of its Candidate throughout if vote into office come September 19. Incidentally, Jattu is said to the home ward of Philip Shaibu, the deputy governor of Edo state who is running on the same ticket with Governor Obaseki. Similarly, in Uhunwonde, in Edo South Senatorial zone, the APC promised to not only implement the simple agenda of Ize-Iyamu but also consolidate on its gains in the years to come if voted into office come September 19. While in Igueben and Ewatto in Edo Central Senatorial zones, Ize-Iyamu pledged to restore public confidence in government by delivering on his promise to the people across the State.
On its part, the PDP is also campaigning in the three Senatorial zones. In his campaign in Oduna Ward 11 in Ovia North Esat, Governor Obaseki assured the people that he would faithfully execute the completion of Benin River Port while also stressing that he would complete the proposed dualization Ekehuan link road to the port. In Edo North, Governor Obaseki promised to build upon his accomplishments in office if re-elected. In Edo Central Senatorial zone, the PDP governorship candidate promised to build on his programs stressing that he would take the state to the next level.
However, these campaigns have been characterized by accusations and counter accusations. The APC which accused Edo State Governor Obaseki and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of allegedly importing armed thugs into the state ahead of the September 19, Governorship Election said it has details.
The allegation which was made by the Media Campaign Council of the APC had alleged that the Governor has been moving with the thugs during campaigns and urged the police to call him to order as this may lead to proliferation of arms in Edo State.
Bu while reacting to the allegation, the Governor’s media aide, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, said it was not only baseless and false but it was the APC that was in the habit of doing what it is talking about.
The statement by Mayaki had read in part: “Insecurity in Edo State has worsened and the Governor, rather than invest the security votes he jacked up to 7.5 billion naira annually, chose to hide the funds and pursue selfish ambitions with it.
“It also begs the question: “why is the PDP, of all the contesting political parties and their ongoing campaigns, being the only one assaulted and experiencing violent response from the communities?
“Why is the PDP, out of over 10 contesting political parties, being the one filing reports for imagined attacks on their convoy?… “We demand an explanation from both the executive government of Edo State, on how and why and what qualifies Edo State government for the procurement of arms and weapons.
Similary, in his reaction, a Senior Special Assistant on Media to the state deputy governor, Mr. Ben Atu, debunked the APC allegation and accused the APC of trying to create tension in the state. The statement while exonerating Shaibu, the deputy governor of any blame, praised the statement for maintaining peace, law and order in the state.
He said: “The Deputy Governor has never been linked to any allegation of such in all his years in politics and it is too late for him to double-cross himself like Oshiomhole and his bunch of supporters are currently spinning.
“Philip Shaibu didn’t killed or commit any attrocity to become a Deputy Governor and can’t do such to retain his seat. His political value and worth came from God and God is sufficient enough for him. He is not like them that seek help and protection from Egypt”.
