The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating violence to disrupt the proceedings of the Edo State Election Petitions Tribunal.
The alleged disruption occurred near the venue of the tribunal on Wednesday morning, creating chaos as gunshots were fired, sending attendees into panic.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, was sitting at the Edo High Court Complex on Sapele Road, Benin City, when the incident unfolded. Lawyers, litigants, politicians, and reporters fled the scene in fear of stray bullets.
In a statement to the press, Edo State PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi strongly condemned the incident, accusing the APC of deploying thugs disguised in PDP-branded attire to disrupt the tribunal. He described the alleged actions as part of a broader scheme to frustrate the PDP’s legal efforts to reclaim its “mandate.”
“The APC is clearly scared of justice and has now resorted to desperate measures, including disguising their thugs in PDP-branded clothing to disrupt the tribunal and tarnish our image,” Aziegbemi stated.
Aziegbemi distanced his party from the incident, arguing that it would be counterproductive for the PDP to disrupt the very process through which it seeks justice.
“Pray tell, why would the PDP attempt to disrupt the only opportunity it has to reclaim the mandate given to it by the people of Edo State during the last governorship election? It is utterly senseless to suggest that we would jeopardize our own chances by resorting to violence,” he remarked.
He also revealed that the PDP had directed its members and supporters to stay away from the tribunal proceedings, anticipating attempts by the APC to instigate violence.
The PDP chairman criticized law enforcement agencies for failing to arrest the individual seen shooting sporadically near the tribunal. He called for immediate action, urging the police and other security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrator, whose face was reportedly visible in a viral video.
Aziegbemi further accused the APC of employing intimidation tactics to maintain power, citing similar incidents in local councils, motor parks, and markets where alleged thugs harass and extort citizens.
“The same tactics deployed at the tribunal are being used across the state to intimidate council chairmen, transporters, and traders. Enough is enough! This lawlessness must stop before it leads to a total breakdown of order in Edo State,” he declared.
The PDP has called for an end to what it describes as APC’s “rascality and lawlessness,” emphasizing its commitment to pursuing justice through legal means. Meanwhile, the incident has heightened tensions in the state, with calls for law enforcement agencies to investigate and restore calm.
