PDP Attacks Oshiomhole Over Allegations of Election Rigging in Edo State
As the campaign heats up for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has launched a robust critique of former governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The critique follows Oshiomhole’s recent comments alleging that PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo is planning to rig the election.
Oshiomhole, who currently serves as the Senator for Edo North, made these remarks during a ward-to-ward campaign rally in Benin, urging APC supporters to remain vigilant against any threats to the peaceful conduct of the election. He also criticized various policies of the incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, including the partial demolition of the Central Hospital for a new museum and the privatization of the Edo Specialist Hospital. Oshiomhole asserted that these issues would be addressed if the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, won the election.
In response, Olu Martin, the Deputy Director General of Media and Publicity for the Asue/Ighodalo Campaign Management Council, vehemently rejected Oshiomhole’s allegations. Martin described Oshiomhole as a proponent of “baseless accusations” and claimed that his tenure as governor was marked by violence and corruption.
Martin accused Oshiomhole of a history of political deceit and mismanagement, referencing a book titled Breach of Trust by Orobosa Omo-ojo, a former commissioner under Oshiomhole. The book reportedly details widespread betrayal and misuse of public funds during Oshiomhole’s administration.
Contrasting Oshiomhole’s tenure with Governor Obaseki’s achievements, Martin highlighted the development of factories, refineries, and an independent power plant under Obaseki’s leadership. He praised Obaseki’s focus on education and technology, noting improvements in literacy and numeracy, as well as significant economic and social advancements.
Martin further challenged the APC to present concrete plans for Edo State, suggesting that the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should be scrutinized and required to participate in a debate. This, he argued, would ensure that candidates are held accountable for their promises.
As the election approaches, the debate between the parties intensifies, with both sides seeking to demonstrate their readiness to address Edo State’s challenges and secure the electorate’s trust.
