Rita Odafe
The Edo State government has raised serious concerns regarding former governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Allegations have surfaced that he is plotting to manipulate the upcoming governorship election in the Iyamho area.
As a reminder, the Edo Governorship election is set for September 21.
In a press event held in Benin City, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, accused Oshiomhole of conspiring with the Commander of Mopol and his personnel to undermine the election near his hometown.
Nehikhare indicated that similar concerns were reported during the previous election in 2020.
He stated, “We’ve become aware of finalized plans by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to coordinate with the Commander of Mopol 60 and his forces who have been assigned to secure polling units around Oshiomhole’s residence in Iyamho. The aim is to allow Oshiomhole and his associates to transport ballots and voting materials to his home for unauthorized voting, ultimately benefiting the APC and denying fair chances to other parties. During the last elections, our warnings went unheeded, which was confirmed by the BVAS report showing a misalignment between accredited voters and the votes recorded: 210 were accredited, yet over 1000 votes were tallied.”
Nehikhare further alleged that they had discovered substantial production of masks and police uniforms by APC members intended to disguise thugs and disrupt the voting process in areas where they are aware they do not fare well.
“Recently, an APC member was seen wearing one of those police uniforms, and it appears the police have defended this act of impersonation.
“Having accepted that they cannot secure victories in Okpella, Lampese, Fugar, Ibillo, and Agenebode, the APC is poised to deploy thugs masked in these uniforms to instigate chaos at the polls and scare voters in these regions.
“In the Egor Local Government Area, APC affiliates have congregated thugs in the residence of a notable party leader, as well as nearby homes, with the support of the Textile Mill Police Station, to disrupt the electoral process there.
“We have also been informed of plans by a House of Representatives member representing Ovia Constituency, who has allegedly recruited around 200 militants to interfere with election materials and harm electoral officials in the riverine regions from Ologbo to Siluko. These militants are reportedly already in the state and have been accommodated in various hotels. We urge security agencies to take immediate action to apprehend these thugs and thwart their plans,” Nehikhare added.
