Edo Guber: APC and Obaseki Trade Accusations Over Alleged Rigging Plans

BENIN CITY— The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Godwin Obaseki are locked in a heated dispute over allegations of a rigging plot in the upcoming September 21 governorship election. The APC claims the governor is planning to deploy fake security personnel wearing counterfeit uniforms to manipulate the polls.

The APC Campaign Council, through its Media Consultant, Mr. Kassim Afegbua, accused Governor Obaseki of intending to use the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) and forged police and military uniforms to give his agents access on election day.

However, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, Special Adviser on Media Projects to Governor Obaseki, dismissed these allegations as baseless, describing them as a desperate attempt by the APC to cover up their fear of impending defeat.

How Obaseki Allegedly Plans to Rig the Poll – Afegbua

The APC Campaign claimed that a meeting took place at the Edo State Government House on Monday, where an offer was allegedly made to certain individuals, who reportedly turned it down. They also pointed to recent attacks on APC members in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area and Ewohimi after the party’s campaign events as evidence of the governor’s alleged plan.

“We have received numerous reports from concerned Edo citizens regarding the governor’s alleged plot to use intimidation and harassment to disenfranchise voters. The state government has been recruiting more personnel into the illegal Edo Security Network, with the intent to use them to rig the election,” the statement read.

The APC further alleged that the state government has begun producing fake police and military uniforms for use by ESSN members on election day. They called on the military and police authorities, particularly the Inspector General of Police, to intervene and investigate these claims to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state.

 APC is Panicking Over Defeat, Spreading Falsehoods – Osagie

In response, Mr. Osagie dismissed the APC’s claims as mere fabrications designed to distract from their own rigging plans. He accused the APC of attempting to discredit the state’s security network, which has been crucial in combating crime at the grassroots level.

“They are aware of their impending loss after presenting an unqualified candidate and are now resorting to smear tactics. The APC’s baseless claims are an attempt to shift attention from their own nefarious plans,” Osagie said.

He urged security agencies to ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Edo State, emphasizing the need for a level playing field on election day.