The Edo National Chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC) raised concerns over the alleged conspiracy of the People’s Democratic Party supporters (PDP) in protest at the state governor’s election petition court on Tuesday.
State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebein a petition issued on Monday, urging security agencies including police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian military to remain vigilant and prevent any lawsuits attempting to undermine the Attorney General’s Office.
“We urge security agencies to take the necessary measures to prevent supporters of the People’s Democratic Party and its candidate Asue Ighodalo from potentially undermining the Attorney General’s office.” Statement reading.
Naija News The report said the warning was issued hours after the court retained a judgment on the petition filed by PDP and its gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo, challenging the results of the gubernatorial election in Edo State on September 21, 2024.
The three-member court, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, retained the ruling Monday after adopting a final written speech on Monday.
APC rejects so-called measures to undermine the judiciary
Tenebe stressed that APC will not tolerate any attempt to compromise judicial proceedings or undermine court proceedings. He urged security agencies to take the alleged threat seriously and put protest organizers accountable for any disruption.
“The judiciary must be allowed to complete the work without intimidation or excessive interference. Any attempt to use the protests to influence the decision of the court will be resisted,” he said. He added.
PDP responds, defends plan protest
The Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP responded to the APC’s claims, Timothy Osadolordismissed the allegations, described them as “propaganda” and deliberately mislead the public.
He confirmed that the PDP did plan a peaceful rally in Abuja but questioned the motivation of the APC to alert the legitimate demonstrations.
Osadoro said, “APC and its agents have become a propaganda machine. We see the types of elections they are taking in Edo, where votes are randomly assigned. We also see their pollution caused by the LG Election River.”
He believes the rally is a peaceful demonstration aimed at ensuring the integrity of the elections in Edo State.
PDP Exco says, “What we want to say is that if we want to avoid conflict in this country, we must not allow what happened in Edo to stand in a democratic country. All good-minded people must stand up and say: Enough.”
Osadolor further urged President Bola Tinubu to curb EDO APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe and other political party leaders.
He added, “The president must call Jarret Tenebe and his hiring orders. He should remind them that he was in the office today because a man named Goodluck Jonathan was peacefully and seamlessly handed over to his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari, who then passed the baton to him.”