The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that opposition parties are orchestrating a crisis to destabilize the state and push for a state of emergency.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Edo APC chairman Jarret Tenebe claimed that opposition leaders, in collaboration with others, had devised a plan to create unrest in the state.
He asserted that their ultimate goal was to compel President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency, fearing they would not secure victory at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal.
The tribunal is set to rule on Wednesday on a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Tenebe accused the opposition of resorting to sabotage in an attempt to manipulate public sentiment and the judiciary.
He alleged that disbanded members of the State Security Network had been recruited to incite violence, as seen in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
“They aim to falsely implicate the state government, creating an illusion of chaos to garner sympathy for their cause,” he said.
Tenebe also called for the arrest of certain opposition figures, linking them to recent violence in Uromi, which resulted in 16 deaths.
He claimed intelligence reports implicated them, adding that their criticism of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s visit to Kano to condole with victims’ families further exposed their role in the crisis.
The APC chairman accused some opposition members abroad of inciting violence in Edo, vowing to seek their extradition through foreign missions and embassies.
“No amount of blackmail or intimidation will stop our governor from securing victory at the tribunal,” Tenebe said.
“The people of Edo have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen.”
He highlighted Governor Okpebholo’s efforts to combat insecurity in the state, including the procurement of security equipment, vehicles, and drones to support law enforcement.
He assured residents that the administration remained committed to ensuring safety and stability in Edo.
Tenebe urged APC supporters to remain calm as they awaited the tribunal’s verdict.
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