BENIN CITY – The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its comments on the administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The APC described the PDP’s criticism as a reflection of a lack of understanding of contemporary governance.
Speaking at a press conference held at the APC state secretariat, the APC Acting State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, defended the Okpebholo administration’s developmental initiatives, including the Ramat Park Flyover project.
He clarified that the project was part of the revised 2024 state budget, countering the PDP’s claims of irregularities.
Tenebe accused the PDP of resorting to baseless allegations, such as the claim that APC members attacked the PDP secretariat. “The PDP must substantiate their allegations with facts,” Tenebe stated. “Criminal allegations cannot remain in the realm of suspicion, which has no place in our legal statutes.”
He further criticized the PDP for alleged violent tendencies before, during, and after the September 21 governorship election, claiming such behavior undermined their moral right to challenge the election results. Tenebe cited the tragic killing of a police inspector attached to Governor Okpebholo as evidence of heightened tensions.
The APC Chairman also took aim at the PDP’s leadership, particularly its State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi. He argued that Aziegbemi’s recent remarks showed a lack of understanding of the state’s revised 2024 budget, which he said accommodates urgent and significant projects like the flyover.
“Edo people now see that projects deemed ‘impossible’ under the PDP are achievable with a determined administration. Senator Okpebholo’s government is focused on delivering tangible progress, unlike the era of MOUs that never translated into action,” Tenebe said.
On allegations of electoral malpractice, Tenebe dismissed claims by PDP chieftains, including Osita Chidoka, that the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was compromised. He accused the PDP of circulating fake results and smuggling manipulated BVAS machines into INEC’s office.
“We call on security agencies to investigate the origin of the manipulated BVAS machines the PDP is parading. INEC’s official machines were properly used during the election, and any claims to the contrary are unfounded,” Tenebe asserted.
The APC reiterated its commitment to progress and governance, assuring Edo residents that Governor Okpebholo’s administration is poised to tackle their challenges head-on and place the state on the path of development.
