Edo PDP and APC trade accusations over Secretariat vandalism

GistReel

The Edo State chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are embroiled in a dispute over allegations of vandalism at the PDP secretariat.

Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, accused APC thugs of invading the party secretariat, causing extensive damage and stealing properties worth millions of naira.

According to Punch Online, Nehikhare, the attackers destroyed doors, windows, and office equipment, while also making away with electronics, computers, and other valuables. He alleged that the invaders ransacked the building and appeared ready to harm anyone found inside.

Condemning the incident, Nehikhare described it as a desperate and reckless move by the APC to intimidate the PDP and derail its efforts to reclaim what he termed a stolen mandate from the September 21 governorship election.

He said, “It is quite disappointing and unfortunate that the APC, on Thursday, mobilised thugs to attack our party secretariat in their desperation to frustrate and halt efforts by our great party to reclaim the mandate duly given to it by the Edo people at the September 21 governorship election.

“The thugs invaded the secretariat, destroyed and carted away properties worth millions of naira.

“If the APC is confident that it won the election free and square, and has nothing to hide, why are the members jittery and mobilising thugs to attack the PDP secretariat?

“This is barbaric and totally condemnable and we urge relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are brought to book.”

Nehikhare said the PDP remained resolute and would not be intimidated or deterred in its pursuit of justice and the restoration of its mandate.

He urged party members and supporters to remain calm and steadfast despite provocations, assuring them that the party would pursue all legal avenues to reclaim its mandate.

In response, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, dismissed the allegations as baseless and advised the PDP to focus on resolving its internal conflicts.

He cautioned the PDP against dragging the APC into its issues, describing the claim that APC thugs were responsible for the alleged attack on the PDP office as absurd. Uwadiae-Igbinigie questioned whether those involved wore APC uniforms or displayed party paraphernalia to substantiate the accusation.

He further emphasized that the APC-led government in the state had initiated projects that the PDP failed to deliver during its tenure, highlighting the party’s focus on its recent electoral victory and commitment to steering the state toward progress.

He said, “How can the PDP say that the thugs that attacked its party secretariat are that of APC? Did the people have anything on them to show that they are APC members? The allegation is baseless and there is no proof.

“The allegation is weighty and criminal, so the PDP should be sure they have proof. We will urge the PDP to sort out its internal problem and not drag the APC into it.

“The APC government in the state is already embarking on projects that the PDP failed to do. These are projects that will better the lives of the people.”