Obaseki plots to use State Vigilante to disrupt Saturday's national elections, APC Edo raises alarm!

By Kingsley Abavo

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has been alleged of having concluded the plot to use the State Vigilante Network; to disrupt the smooth processes of the national elections holding on Saturday, 25 February, 2023.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo State Chapter, raised the alarm in a press release signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Peter Enoserogbe Uwadiae Igbinigie Esq. and availed the media on Thursday, in Benin-City.

The Party says; it was bringing to the "notice of the general public, the clandestine and sinister move of the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki to use the State Vigilante Network to intimidate, harass and cause mayhem during and after the elections; particularly in the rural areas of the State.

"It must be noted with serious concern that the Electoral Act 2022 did not and never envisaged the use of Vigilante personnel for security duties during elections.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the only Security Agents contemplated in the 'Act' for security duties during elections; is the Police.

"In the circumstance, we abhor any act(s) capable of disrupting the elections and we herefore urge the Police and other sister agencies; to ensure that these unholy design of the Governor is curtailed as we shall not fail to resist any deliberate move of his; to scuttle and or cause mayhem during these elections with these Edo Vigilante service personnel."

The APC however; commended the people of the State for their motivation and high spirit, to be involved in the elections.

As it expressed happiness seeing the level of enthusiasm they have demonstrated, towards a hitch free participation.

In a swift reaction, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare denied the allegation wondering why Edo State Government would be intimidating Edo people that will vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Presidential and National Assembly elections?

Stating; that the APC knows it has lost the elections as a result of the untold hardship it foisted on Nigerians.

Hence the Party has started to mourn over their electoral failure; as they have nothing to tell Edo people again.