Edo APC rejects opposition claims of intimidation, calls allegations self‑inflicted

The Edo State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally denied claims made by the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it engaged in political violence and intimidation. The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Peter Uwadiae‑Igbinigie, made the remarks on Wednesday, following a joint press conference held by the two opposition parties in Benin City on Tuesday.

Uwadiae‑Igbinigie asserted that the APC is not engaged in any form of intimidation, emphasizing that the party is concentrating on campaigning across all 192 wards of Edo State. He claimed the APC is the only party actively showcasing the state government’s “SHINE Agenda” and urging voters to support its platform. The spokesperson also questioned the opposition’s credibility, noting that the NDC lacks a manifesto, which he said is essential for governing a complex nation like Nigeria.

Background

The dispute emerged after the NDC and ADC alleged that the APC had been involved in intimidation tactics and the removal of opposition billboards. In response, Uwadiae‑Igbinigie described these allegations as “criminal” and suggested that the opposition parties file police reports if they believe a crime has occurred. He further argued that violence is no longer a feature of Nigerian politics, describing elections as “technology‑driven” and implying that any violent acts would be out of place.

The APC spokesperson also highlighted what he described as a history of violence within the ADC and NDC, suggesting that the current challenges faced by the opposition are self‑inflicted. He reiterated that the APC has never been involved in political violence in Edo State, whether in government or opposition.

Why it matters

The statements come at a critical time ahead of upcoming elections, where the conduct of political parties can influence voter confidence and the overall stability of the electoral process. Accusations of intimidation and violence can undermine public trust and potentially affect voter turnout across the state’s 192 wards. The APC’s denial and call for the opposition to address internal issues may shape the narrative surrounding campaign conduct and could impact how election observers assess the fairness of the upcoming polls.

What happens next

The APC has urged the NDC and ADC to pursue legal avenues by reporting alleged billboard removal to the police. No further legal actions or formal investigations have been announced in the source material, and the parties have not indicated any scheduled meetings to resolve the dispute.