The Edo State ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following a report of pockets of violence that characterized the party’s primary election that was held on Monday.
Recall that there were reports of shootings in some parts of the state during the state House Of Assembly and National Assembly Primary Election of the PDP which was held last Sunday and Monday.
According to a statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the APC Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, the violence that erupted during the PDP primaries is not what the state is known for.
“It is disheartening that the conduct of a party’s primary election which is supposed to be a family affair and done in a peaceful and harmonious setting was taken over by uniformed thugs, and hoodlums masquerading as PDP party members, delegates and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
“This show of shame by the PDP is criminal as well as a great threat to the peace and security of Edo people, who are already traumatized by the very poor response of the State government to the high level of insecurity across the state.
“Edo people know for a fact that the mission of the PDP is to terrorize the people with the intent of preventing them from participating in the electoral process ahead of the 2023 general elections, having realized that there is no way the party can win the state again, under a free, fair and credible process.
“We commiserate with all the families and relatives of persons who were wounded and/or killed as a result of the violent PDP primaries and hereby call on the Edo State Commissioner of Police to immediately track down the culprits who carried out the shooting and killings and their sponsors and make them face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others,” the statement reads.
Recall that it was reported that a parallel Senatorial Primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for Edo South senatorial district was on Monday disrupted by suspected thugs.
The attack happened shortly after Hon Ogbeide Ihama; the member Representing Oredo Federal Constituency emerged as the candidate.
There was destruction of vehicles parked around the venue of the election along Airport Road.
Meanwhile, voting went on at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium where delegates believed to be loyal to Governor Godwin Obaaeki conducted their own primary election.
