Edo PDP, APC clash over secretariat vandalism

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress are at loggerheads over allegations of party secretariat destruction.

The state Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, alleged that the APC thugs invaded the party secretariat, destroying and carting away properties worth millions of naira.

He said the thugs also destroyed doors, windows, and office equipment, adding that several electronics, computers and other valuable items were also carted away by the thugs who ransacked the building with the plan to attack any person found therein.

Nehikhare condemned the attack, describing it as a desperate and reckless attempt by the APC to intimidate the PDP and frustrate the party’s efforts at reclaiming its mandate stolen at 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 charged party members and supporters to remain calm and resolute in the face of the provocations as the party explored every legal channel to reclaim its mandate.

Responding, the state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, described the allegation as baseless and urged the PDP to settle its internal crisis.

He warned the PDP against the APC in its messy affair.

Uwadiae-Igbinigie said it was absurd to label those who allegedly attacked the PDP office as APC thugs, wondering if the thugs wore APC uniforms or had APC paraphernalia on them.

He noted that the APC government in the state had already embarked on projects the PDP government failed to actualise, adding that the party was still basking in the euphoria of its victory and putting the state on the right path.

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.”