The All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Edo State has denied allegations made by a group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Monday Okpebholo was responsible for the violent assaults on the headquarters of three local government areas (LGAs) in the state.
Jarret Tenebe, the APC chairman in Edo State, released a statement Wednesday in which the party called the accusations “baseless, misleading, and politically motivated.”
The announcement came after the party thoroughly investigated the incidents.
“We vehemently disagree with the recent assertions made by the Edo State PDP’s factional chairman.
In addition to being untrue, these claims—that Governor Okpebholo used thugs and armed men to take over LGA headquarters—are also a part of a smear campaign meant to damage the governor’s reputation, Tenebe said.
The APC clarified that internal power struggles and factional disputes within the local councils, rather than any planned actions by the governor, were the cause of the violence at the LGA headquarters after conducting thorough investigations and consulting with eyewitnesses and other pertinent sources.
The party asserts that these conflicts have been simmering for months and have nothing to do with the state government.
The statement also underlined Governor Okpebholo’s dedication to the rule of law, pointing out that his government has continuously placed a high value on respect for democratic norms, good governance, and openness.
Tenebe continued, “Governor Okpebholo has continuously shown his respect for the judiciary and has complied with all court directives and directives pertaining to the LGA councils.”
In response to claims that Okpebholo disregarded court orders, the APC explained that the governor’s administration has been in communication with all pertinent authorities and interested parties to guarantee adherence to the law, especially with the councils.
Concerns regarding the legitimacy of the polarised PDP leadership were also voiced by the APC.
“We think Tony Aziegbemi, the chairman of the divisive PDP Caretaker Committee, ought to answer for his deeds, including the suspected planned kidnapping he conducted in the past.
It is alarming that his remarks are being utilised to disparage the governor in light of this history,” the statement said.