Politics

APC rally turns chaotic in Edo, residents stone Oshiomhole, other party leaders

Published

4 weeks ago

September 6, 2024

APC rally turns chaotic in Edo, residents stone Oshiomhole, other party leaders

A campaign rally organized by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ososo, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State descended into chaos on Thursday.

The rally, intended to drum up support for the APC’s candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo in the upcoming Edo governorship election, was met with fierce resistance from residents.

A viral video, widely shared on social media, shows footage of a large crowd of Ososo residents hurling stones and other objects at APC leaders, including former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, House of Representatives member Ohio Akpatason, former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, and Honourable Anslem Agbabi.

The rally, meant to be a platform for political engagement, quickly deteriorated into a scene of pandemonium.

Eyewitnesses described how the crowd’s initial chants of disapproval rapidly escalated into violence, with stones striking the APC leaders and their entourage.

“It was shocking to see how quickly things went from bad to worse,” said one resident, who witnessed the events unfold.

“The people of Ososo were clear in their rejection of the APC. When the stones started flying, it was clear that the rally was no longer under control,” he added.

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Meanwhile, reports indicate that APC thugs retaliated by shooting a resident. The victim, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital.

The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but eyewitnesses confirmed the incident.

Osagie, another witness, said: “The atmosphere was already tense, but when the shooting happened, chaos erupted. People were running, screaming, and trying to get away from the violence. It was a terrifying experience.”

Following the outbreak of violence, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and other APC leaders were swiftly escorted away from the scene by security personnel.

The APC has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but sources suggest that the party is deeply concerned about the escalation.

A close associate of Oshiomhole commented, “The situation was regrettable, and we are currently reviewing what happened. We are committed to ensuring that the incident is thoroughly investigated and that such violence is addressed appropriately.”

The violent turn of the rally has sparked widespread condemnation, with social media users and political commentators calling for accountability.

Osaze Samuel, coordinator of the pro-democracy group Movement For Democracy, criticized the APC’s approach to campaign rallies.

His words: “The use of violence to suppress dissent and manipulate political outcomes is unacceptable.

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“We demand that those responsible for the violence, including the shooting of an innocent resident, be held accountable.”

Residents have also voiced their frustration, accusing the APC of attempting to force its way into communities despite growing opposition.

“We have made our stance clear. We do not want them here, and we won’t be intimidated by violence,” said a local activist who spoke anonymously.

On its part, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the incident.

A spokesperson for the command stated, “We are taking this matter very seriously. An investigation is underway to determine the full extent of what happened and to bring those responsible to justice.”

As tensions remain high in Ososo and across Edo State, there are growing concerns that similar incidents could occur as the governorship election approaches.

The election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, features Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okpebholo of the APC, and Barr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party as the major candidates.

In light of the recent violence, various civil society groups and political analysts are calling for peaceful campaigning and respectful engagement.

“Our political process must not be marred by violence,” said a representative from the Edo Election Monitoring Group.

“It is imperative that all parties conduct their campaigns in a manner that respects the democratic rights of the people and ensures a free and fair election,” she added.

APC rally turns chaotic in Edo, residents stone Oshiomhole, other party leaders

Politics

PDP supporters visit INEC, ask for reversal of Edo gov election result

Published

3 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Trends Admin

PDP supporters visit INEC, ask for reversal of Edo gov election result

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City, demanding the reversal of the recently announced Edo State governorship election results.

Chanting slogans of “INEC, Ole!”—which translates to “INEC is a thief”—the protesters accused the electoral body of manipulating the results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The streets around the INEC office were filled with placard-bearing protesters, some of which read, “Edo PDP won the election but INEC and police colluded to change it,” “Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governor-elect we know,” and “INEC, why did you manipulate the IREV result?”

One enraged protester said, “You cannot cheat the people and go without being questioned. INEC defrauded Asue Ighodalo just to install their incompetent candidate. We are here to protest against this imposition.”

The protesters, united in their demand for transparency, called for justice, insisting that their votes for Ighodalo were wrongfully discounted.

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Betty Irume, a vocal participant in the protest, declared, “This protest is about justice and accountability. We believe in the power of our vote for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie!”

Another protester expressed similar sentiments, stating, “We are demanding transparency and fairness. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie represent hope for a better Edo! INEC needs to correct this wrong.”

The core of the protesters’ complaints centred on allegations that INEC colluded with security forces to rig the election in favour of the APC.

Many claimed that the results were tampered with or altered, suggesting deliberate manipulation of the outcome.

Despite assurances from INEC officials that the election was conducted transparently, PDP supporters have remained adamant that the results do not reflect the true will of Edo State voters.

As of now, INEC officials in Edo State have not issued an official statement regarding the protests or the accusations of electoral fraud.

However, security around the INEC office has been tightened, with police officers stationed at key points to prevent any escalation of violence

PDP supporters visit INEC, ask for reversal of Edo gov election result

Politics

Group to host ‘Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria’ conference

Published

21 hours ago

October 2, 2024

Trends Admin

Group to host ‘Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria’ conference

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Like Minds Group has announced the upcoming “Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria” conference, aimed at revitalizing the party for improved national governance. Scheduled for October 8, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the conference will focus on rebuilding the PDP, fostering unity among members, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the party.

The conference’s main objective is to strengthen the PDP by promoting intra-party democracy, improving governance, and developing policies that drive national development. The event, which begins at 2 pm, is expected to draw political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the media.

Key topics on the agenda include a keynote address titled “Rebuilding the PDP: Challenges and Opportunities”, followed by a panel discussion on “Party Governance and Accountability”. Attendees will also engage in breakout sessions on critical issues such as public engagement, intra-party conflict resolution, and policy development.

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Distinguished speakers include prominent PDP figures such as Senator Abba Moro, Senator Abdul Ningi, and Senator Natasha Akpoti, among others. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties, is expected to deliver a special presentation on the role of technology in party governance.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Turaki emphasized that the conference is a pivotal step towards rebuilding the PDP and restoring Nigeria’s lost glory, urging all stakeholders to join in the collective effort to reform the party.

The PDP Like Minds Group, which is hosting the event, is a coalition of concerned party members dedicated to promoting internal democracy and good governance within the PDP.

Expected Outcomes

The conference is set to achieve several outcomes, including:A unified and stronger PDP; Improved governance and accountability within the party; Enhanced policy development and implementation strategies; Increased public engagement and participation.

This event marks an important moment for the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of the next political cycle, with an emphasis on national progress through effective governance.

Group to host ‘Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria’ conference

Politics

Nobody can stop PDP North Central from producing national chairman – Ologbondiyan

Published

4 days ago

September 29, 2024

Trends Admin

Ex- National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan

Nobody can stop PDP North Central from producing national chairman – Ologbondiyan

Ex- National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has declared that no individual or group within the party, can deny the North Central Zone the right to produce a successor to the former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Ologbondiyan, said this while receiving PDP youths from the North Central in Abuja, at the weekend.

According to him, the North Central zone is set to name Ayu’s successor in line with the provisions of Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as Amended).

He said, “it is common knowledge that party members and stakeholders across the six geo-political zones of the country particularly the States of the North East, that includes Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States are in support of naming a successor from the North Central to replace Sen. Ayu, and the zone is already fine-tuning its processes to achieve that purpose. “

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He implored PDP members to “ignore the antics of certain members of the party who have turned themselves to the Party’s Constitution and are churning out rules at their whims and caprices.

“The grundnorm for the PDP is the PDP’s Constitution (2017 as Amended) and not the desires of any individual irrespective of the position occupied by such an individual,” he added.

He urged party members to adhere to the provisions of the party’s Constitution in order to be well guided and restore the party to its lost glory.

Ologbondiyan further said, “The North Central will produce a successor to Senator Ayu, not any other zone. Any individual or group wishing to stop the implementation of Section 47 (6) of the PDP Constitution (as amended) are not seeking the good of our party.”