Edo: APC, PDP Trade Words Over Alleged Printing Of PVCs

The Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State and the All Progressives Congress are engaged in a face-off over alleged printing of Permanent Voter Cards to rig the governorship election in the state.

The party also accused each other of trying to cause violence in the state to ensure the postponement of the poll.

The ruling party in a statement released through its spokesman, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday at a news conference at the re-election campaign organisation’s office of Governor Godwin Obaseki at the Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin, levelled the allegations against the leaders and members of the APC.

“We wrote letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), the police and other security agencies to give them our itineraries for the campaigns.”

“Owan West was one of the local governments that we gave the dates for, for our electioneering, but to our surprise, APC leaders chose the same day for Estako West Local Government to visit the same area, but our intelligence showed that they deliberately did that to ensure clash, because from the outset, all they are interested in, is to have the September 19 election postponed, by fomenting trouble.”

“They are aware that as it is today, they will be defeated roundly and very decisively. So, it is in their interest that the election is postponed.”

“We also notified the security agencies that APC leaders are printing PVCs to be used to rig the election. We told them of the location of the printing of the PVCs, but they decided to turn a blind eye.”

“APC leaders have discovered that they cannot win a free and fair election. So, they are displaying desperation. Governor Obaseki is sure of winning the election, in view of his impressive performance in almost four years. Edo people are also tired of godfatherism and the use of touts.”

It was stated that the state Governor does not have a godfather, he also promised not to loot the resources of the state.

PDP hailed the monarchs and Edo North Senatorial District people for their warm reception during the campaigns.

The party further stated that its campaign in the Edo Central Senatorial District would begin on Monday.

APC in its reaction through its spokesperson, Chris Azebamwan, stated that it is the mark of ignorance for PDP and its spokesman (Nehikhare) to accuse APC leaders of printing PVCs.

It said: “Any politician who does that (printing of PVCs) will be wasting his/her time and money because INEC’s card readers will reject the fake PVCs.”

“PDP leaders are trying to distract and deceive Edo people and other Nigerians about their plot to rig the September 19 governorship election, but it will be an exercise in futility. Edo residents and other Nigerians should ignore the antics, propaganda, misinformation and disinformation of Nehikhare and other members of PDP.”

On the alleged stoking of violence by Edo members of APC to ensure the postponement of the poll, APC said PDP leaders and members were the ones who wanted the election to be postponed.

It said: “PDP leaders want the election to be postponed because the party is not on the ground in Edo State. They know that APC’s governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is very popular, with huge followership across the 18 local governments. He will win the September 19 election with a wide margin, with Obaseki experiencing humiliating defeat.”

“So, PDP leaders are preparing the ground for their eventual defeat, in order to accuse APC leaders of rigging the election. There is no truth or merit in the senseless allegation.”

“Don’t forget that PDP’s thugs were responsible for the July 25 gunshots at the palace of Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, and last Thursday’s shootings at Apana in Etsako West Local Government, but they attempted to blame APC members, in order to cause confusion.”
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“I can confirm that APC members were not involved (in the palace of Oba of Benin) and Apana incidents, or other criminal activities. PDP should put its house in order and stop blaming APC leaders.”

APC admonished residents to come out en masse and vote for Ize-Iyamu on September 19, to ensure good governance from November 12.