The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is contemplating a boycott of the upcoming inspection of electoral materials linked to the recent governorship election due to escalating violence and reported gunfire near the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Benin.
The party’s concerns are heightened by incidents of sporadic shootings attributed to suspected political thugs in the vicinity of the INEC office, which they believe endangers the safety of the inspection process.
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, witnesses reported gunfire in the area, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Additionally, violent clashes erupted between APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters near Ikpoba River, roughly 700 meters from the INEC office, leaving several individuals injured from gunfire.
During a press conference in Benin, APC State Chairman Jarret Tenebe voiced serious concerns regarding the prevailing security situation, suggesting that the party might withdraw from the inspection if safety cannot be guaranteed.
He indicated that, should they decide to proceed, the APC would need to implement its own security arrangements to protect its members and legal representatives.
Tenebe also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence against APC members at the INEC office, specifically accusing PDP members of involvement in the shootings that resulted in critical injuries to an APC supporter.
In response, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, a PDP leader and Director General of the party’s 2024 Governorship Election Campaign Council, dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless and misleading. He countered that PDP members have never engaged in armed conflict, asserting that the shooting incident was instigated by APC thugs and reaffirmed the PDP’s commitment to its electoral goals.
The escalating tensions between these two prominent political parties in Edo State underscore the increasingly volatile political landscape as they gear up for the forthcoming elections.
