The Edo State Presidential, National Assembly, and State House of Assembly Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations linking the party to an attack on an African Democratic Congress (ADC) campaign entourage in Igueben Local Government Area. The allegations were made by ADC chieftain, Kenneth Imansuagbon, and others, who claimed that the APC was responsible for the reported gunfire during political engagements in Igueben.
According to the ADC, its campaign entourage came under gunfire, with a supporter, Jerry Oliha, reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries. The party accused political loyalists of the APC and linked the incident to Igueben Local Government Chairman, Endurance Azemegbe, who has denied involvement in the incident. The Edo APC campaign council described the allegations as reckless and libellous, and challenged Imansuagbon and others to present evidence to the police.
The APC campaign council, in a statement by its Director of Media, John Mayaki, insisted that those peddling the allegations have not tendered any evidence connecting the ruling party, its leadership, or Azemegbe to the reported shooting. The council said it would not tolerate the manufacturing of attacks for political sympathy and described Imansuagbon's allegations as an attempt to turn an unverified criminal incident into political propaganda.
The council cautioned against converting political contests into personal warfare, saying politicians should concentrate on campaigns rather than allegations capable of heightening tension. It added that Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance for criminality and actions that make Edo State unsafe. The governor's stance was seen as a warning to politicians to refrain from engaging in violent or inflammatory rhetoric.
The APC campaign council urged the police to thoroughly investigate the Igueben incident and establish what happened, who was responsible, and the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting. The council said criminal allegations should be determined by evidence and investigation rather than political accusation. It also recalled Imansuagbon's recent comments about being prepared to die or go to jail in pursuit of his political objective.
Imansuagbon's comments were seen as an example of increasingly combative political rhetoric, which the APC campaign council described as desperation rather than a programme for the electorate. The council said politics should not become a declaration of martyrdom and that elections are won by persuading voters, presenting ideas, and allowing the people to make their choice.
The Edo APC campaign council emphasized that no one should mistake political season for a licence to manufacture insecurity. The government will take measures commensurate with whatever offence is established, including any proven attempt to fabricate or stage attacks to create fear, mislead the public, or gain political sympathy.
Key points
- The APC rejects allegations of an attack on the ADC campaign entourage in Igueben Local Government Area.
- The party challenges Kenneth Imansuagbon to present evidence to the police.
- Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for criminality and actions that make Edo State unsafe.
