APC Campaign Council welcomes PDP, Governor Obaseki’s election boycott

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council, through its Director of Media, Prince Kassim Afegbua, has issued a statement welcoming the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Godwin Obaseki’s threat to boycott the upcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.

The election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, has drawn attention after Governor Obaseki called for the removal of the State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, a demand which the APC has strongly rejected.

In the statement, the APC described the governor’s request as “rogue, ludicrous, ridiculous, self-serving, egocentric and palpably insulting” to the people of Edo State.

The APC claims that Governor Obaseki, despite not being a candidate, is trying to influence the electoral process for the benefit of his political ally, Asue Ighodalo. The party further reaffirmed its confidence in the existing electoral officials and praised their efforts to ensure a credible election.

The party also commended the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for disbanding the Edo Security Network, which the APC alleges had been acting as a “killer squad” in the state. He emphasized that the APC is committed to a peaceful, free, and fair election, and expressed confidence in its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, being the people’s choice.

The APC welcomed the PDP’s potential boycott, suggesting that it would work in favor of the ruling party. They urged their supporters to remain calm and focused ahead of the election, maintaining that the election should not be a “do or die” affair but a process to choose the best leader for Edo State.

The statement ended with a challenge to the PDP and Governor Obaseki, claiming that if they fail to follow through with their boycott, it would only highlight their political weakness.