The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dared the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to fulfill its threat of boycotting the upcoming Edo State governorship election, set for next week.

The challenge follows a statement by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who said the PDP would withdraw from the election unless the State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner were removed from their positions.

Obaseki claimed the officials were biased and should be redeployed.

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Responding to Obaseki’s demands, Kassim Afegbua, the Director of Media for the Edo APC Campaign Council, dismissed the governor’s call as “ridiculous” and driven by frustration.

Afegbua said Obaseki’s attempts to influence the election process were self-serving and an insult to the people of Edo State.

“It’s absurd that Governor Obaseki, who isn’t even running in this election, is trying to dictate terms. He wants to handpick the officials who will oversee the election, but that’s not how democracy works,” Afegbua stated.

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“The people of Edo have full confidence in both the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the Commissioner of Police, who have been working tirelessly to ensure a free and fair election.”

Afegbua also praised the disbandment of the Edo Security Network, which had faced allegations of rogue operations in the state. “We commend the Inspector General of Police for disbanding the security outfit. This is a step toward ensuring peace and order during the election.”

The APC expressed confidence in their chances of winning the election and dismissed Obaseki’s demands as attempts to manipulate the process in favor of the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

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“The governor and his party are trying to rewrite the rules to benefit themselves,” Afegbua said. “We welcome the PDP’s boycott threat, and if they go through with it, it will only work against them. Should they decide to back down, it will further confirm their failure as politicians.”

The APC urged its members to remain calm and prepare for victory, emphasizing that elections are a democratic process to choose leaders, not a battle of self-interests.

As the Edo State governorship election approaches, the major political parties—APC, PDP, and LP—are embroiled in a fierce battle, with accusations of extensive vote-buying surfacing.

Sources indicate that the leading parties are preparing substantial financial resources to influence voters, with estimates suggesting that each vote could be priced between N15,000 and N20,000.

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Reports have also surfaced about potential attempts to collect voter cards. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have been enlisted to monitor the situation closely.

Yiaga Africa, an election monitoring group, reported that both the PDP and APC have been distributing cash, food, and other items to voters.

According to Yiaga’s Media Officer, Jennifer Dafwat, incidents of vote-buying have been observed in various locations, including Uselu Market, Amiebonkhian community, and Ubiaja, where campaigners from both parties have been handing out gifts and monetary inducements.

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Samson Isibor of the Conference of Registered Political Parties condemned the practice, calling it “transactional politics” and urging voters to reject such offers.

He emphasized that vote-buying undermines democratic processes and discourages accountability from elected officials.

The PDP has accused the APC of planning to use violence and vote-buying to secure victory.

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Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, criticized the APC for relying on “federal might” rather than campaigning on issues.

PDP spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba alleged that the APC is resorting to violence and intimidation, including the recruitment of thugs from Imo State.

In response, the APC has dismissed these allegations as baseless.

Bala Ibrahim, the APC National Publicity Director, accused the PDP of engaging in rigging and denied any involvement in vote-buying.

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Peter Uwadiae, the APC’s Publicity Secretary in Edo State, also rejected claims of vote-buying, asserting that the party is focusing on a clean election campaign.

The Labour Party, represented by Public Relations Officer Sam Uruopa, distanced itself from vote-buying, attributing the practice to the APC and PDP.

Uruopa urged INEC and security agencies to monitor the election closely to prevent electoral malpractices.

In addition, the EFCC and INEC have both issued strong warnings against vote-buying. EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale emphasized that the commission will take a firm stance against all forms of electoral crime.

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INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged law enforcement to crack down on vote-buying activities and enforce the Peace Accord signed by the parties.

Amidst these developments, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has alleged that INEC may attempt to postpone the election to favor the APC.

Obaseki, who had previously refused to sign the Peace Accord, expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and vowed to resist any attempts to disrupt the election.

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With the election day drawing closer, tensions remain high as parties, candidates, and voters brace for what is expected to be a contentious and closely watched poll.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has thrown a challenge to any leader or governor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to publicly accuse him of being a mole.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Wike dared anyone within the PDP to name names and accuse him of undermining the party.

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Wike revealed that before accepting his appointment as FCT Minister, he sent letters to the PDP leadership at the state, zonal, and national levels.

He asserted, “If anyone in the PDP claims I’m a mole, let them name names. I challenge any governor or National Working Committee member to come on national television and make such an accusation.”

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Wike reiterated that he openly refused to support the PDP presidential candidate because he believed it was against the principles of equity and fairness.

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He said, “Did I hide it when I said I wouldn’t support the PDP candidate? The PDP still won the governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections in my state. How many states achieved that?”

Wike further emphasized his reputation as a man who stands by his word. He disclosed that Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had approached him to support his preferred successor, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

However, Wike declined, citing past experiences where his support for Obaseki had only resulted in insults.

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He also confirmed that the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) is his first cousin, adding that, like him, his cousin could not be intimidated by anyone, including the INEC Chairman.

Wike said, “Nobody born of a woman can intimidate my cousin into doing anything wrong.”

Wike pointed out that his cousin had been serving as the REC in Edo State for over a year, questioning why concerns were only being raised now by some within the PDP.

Additionally, Wike expressed deep disappointment with Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara, accusing him of betraying the political family that helped him rise to power. Wike declared that this was an unforgivable offense.

The leadership crisis within the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has deepened, with the party’s founder, Chief Chekwas Okorie, accusing Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo of undermining the party’s internal structure.

Okorie’s remarks come amid an ongoing dispute between Chief Edozie Njoku and Chief Victor Oye, with tensions heightened by Soludo’s alleged interference.

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Okorie reiterated his stance on the Supreme Court’s March 23, 2023, ruling that recognized Njoku as the legitimate National Chairman, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had also acknowledged Njoku’s leadership in line with the court’s decision.

However, Okorie criticized Soludo for disregarding these rulings by appointing Sly Ezeonwuka as national chairman, despite court orders nullifying such actions.

He pointed to multiple judicial confirmations, including those from the FCT High Court and the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Njoku’s position.

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Okorie expressed disappointment in what he described as a troubling trend of political manipulation, warning that Soludo’s actions could damage APGA’s future.

He urged party members to remain steadfast in their loyalty to the legitimate leadership.

“It’s disheartening to witness a progressive party like APGA being hijacked by political opportunists,” Okorie said. “APGA is now the only party in Nigeria where a Treasurer was installed as national chairman without a proper national convention. This is executive recklessness by a governor who vowed to uphold the rule of law.”

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He added, “The faction within APGA may believe that money can solve all problems, but true APGA believes that only faith in God can. Nigerians who cherish democracy should urge Governor Soludo to allow APGA to operate freely.”

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), representing youth groups across the country, has strongly condemned the sealing of Oracle Business Limited, a company owned by former Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, over an alleged N93.5 million tax default.

In a statement issued on Thursday from Owerri, CONYL President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, criticized the actions of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, and the Benue State Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), accusing them of targeting a company that provides significant employment opportunities for youths in the state.

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Ibem expressed disappointment in the governor’s approach, claiming that the decision to shut down Oracle Business Ltd reflects a disregard for youth welfare and employment.

He also alleged that the move was politically motivated, calling on the BIRS acting Chairman, Mr. Sunday Odagba, and the Board Secretary/Legal Adviser, Mr. Ushahemba Dekaa, to resist being used for “anti-democratic practices.”

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“The sealing of Oracle Business Ltd is a calculated attempt to deprive workers of their livelihood, especially in a time of widespread hunger and food insecurity,” Ibem remarked.

CONYL called for the immediate unsealing of the business and urged Governor Alia to focus on addressing the ongoing security issues in Benue State, where communities are regularly targeted by terrorists.

The youth body praised Dr. Ortom for his service as governor, urging the current administration to focus on governance and leave his business concerns alone.