The All Progressives Congress and the People Democratic Party in Edo State have been trading accusations of attack on members at the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin. on Thursday.
Chairman of the APC in the state, Jarrett Tenebe, in a statement on Friday, said the PDP was responsible for the attack on his party members.
He said, “The brazen gun attack on supporters of APC yesterday at INEC office by the same criminals that murdered Inspector. Akor Onuh confirmed the danger we have been facing since the tribunal granted us access to inspect materials that were used for the September 21, 2024, election.
“In the light of the prevailing, the All Progressives Congress demands the arrest and prosecution of all those that planned and executed the attack on our members Thursday at INEC office.
“We add also that, we are unable to guarantee the APC continuous participation in the inspection exercise in INEC office. If and when we decide to take part, the APC as a party shall provide alternative security for our members and legal team during the period the exercise will last.”
Reacting, the Director General of Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, described the APC’s allegations as unfounded and misleading.
He said, “PDP members have never been armed and never resulted to using guns. Using guns are part of APC strength. You would realize that during their campaigns, they always claimed that they were attacked.
“Our lawyers have been the ones going to INEC office to exercise and execute the valid court order. Yesterday (Thursday), when they saw some PDP members wearing face cap, the APC thugs resulted to shooting sporadically which led to one of our youth leaders sustaining injuries.”
