The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has urged the Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Tajudeen Bright Alade, Akoko Edo Local Government Council Chairman, and the state Deputy Governor, Omobayo Godwins for their alleged involvement in violent attacks on its campaign train.
In a statement by Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo, the Director of Publicity for the APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, the party claimed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is orchestrating a security threat through the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen across the state.
“The recent attacks on members of our campaign team in Ososo and Igarra towns are clear signs of the PDP’s futile attempts to hinder our efforts to bring APC’s rescue message to every corner of Edo State,” Omo-Ojo stated.
“Last Thursday, the people of Akoko Edo came out in large numbers to welcome our party’s governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in Igarra, Ososo, and Ibillo. Alarmed by the unprecedented turnout in Ibillo, PDP’s Local Government Council Chairman, Tajudeen Bright Alade, orchestrated a failed attempt to disrupt our campaigns in Ososo and Igarra.”
According to the APC, despite receiving threats from Alade before their arrival in Ososo, they were undeterred and continued with their rally, determined not to deprive the people of their opportunity to hear Senator Okpebholo’s message of hope for Edo State.
“The rally was peaceful until political thugs disguised as masquerades entered the crowd, harassing people with whips. Despite the disruption, all speakers, including Senator Okpebholo, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Director General of APC Campaign), Minister Abubakar Momoh, and Honourable Peterson Akpatason, delivered their messages successfully,” the statement continued.
Following the failure to disrupt the rally, the APC alleged that the thugs, still in masquerade costumes, attempted to block the APC convoy from leaving the campaign grounds, but security personnel quickly dispatched them.
“Frustrated by the APC’s resolve to win Akoko Edo, Alade moved to Igarra, where over 5,000 people were waiting to receive the campaign team,” Omo-Ojo added.
The statement further revealed that midway into the Igarra rally, a motorcyclist wearing a PDP cap attempted to disrupt the event but was resisted by locals who identified him as a PDP youth leader working for the ward 1 councilor.
They alleged that Alade sent more thugs ahead to block the convoy’s exit, firing shots, but security personnel efficiently dispersed them,” the APC spokesperson said.
Omo-Ojo concluded by stating that Alade was later summoned to Uromi by Omobayo Godwins and other PDP leaders, where he was reprimanded for failing to halt the rallies in Akoko Edo.
“In light of these unprovoked attacks, if the police and DSS do not arrest Tajudeen Bright Alade and Omobayo Godwins, we will be left with no choice but to take further action to protect our party’s inevitable victory,” Omo-Ojo warned.
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