Edo governorship: A ‘bloody’ encounter looming

The gladiators in Edo election

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Jethro Ibileke

As the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State approaches, tension is reaching a fever pitch. The political atmosphere has grown increasingly hostile, with violent confrontations and bitter verbal exchanges between the major political parties—APC and PDP—leading to fears that the election could descend into chaos.

Violent Ambush Raises Concerns

An early indication of the Edo governorship volatility emerged on July 18, 2024, when gunmen allegedly ambushed the convoy of APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu at the Benin Airport. The attack followed Shaibu’s reinstatement as deputy governor by a Federal High Court ruling. The confrontation led to a shootout between security personnel and the assailants, which resulted in the death of Inspector Akor Onuh, one of Okpebholo’s security aides.

The APC accused state security forces, particularly the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), of orchestrating the attack, while the PDP blamed APC members for carrying weapons in the presence of security operatives. Since the incident, violence has erupted in areas like Ososo, Igarra, Uhomora, Ekperi, and Ekpoma, where supporters of both parties have clashed, causing serious injuries.

Escalation of Political Tension

On August 7, 2024, Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, accused the APC of planning civil unrest under the guise of protests to destabilize the state. He claimed the opposition was intent on creating chaos as a pretext to disrupt the election.

In a further escalation, the PDP’s campaign team, led by Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, accused the police of unlawfully arresting over 10 of its members. Iduoriyekemwen alleged that officers from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), operating under the directive of Deputy Commissioner of Police Sanusi Muhammad, were rounding up PDP chieftains across the state using fake court warrants to weaken the party ahead of the election. The police high command has denied these allegations, but the situation remains charged.

War of Words: ‘Do or Die’ Politics

As election day nears, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has openly declared the election a “do-or-die” affair. Speaking at the grand finale of the PDP’s campaign rally in Benin, Obaseki vowed that he and his supporters would resist any attempt by the APC to manipulate the election results. “This election is a do-or-die. If they do, we will die,” Obaseki stated, urging his supporters to stand firm against electoral malpractice.

Meanwhile, APC leaders, though less overtly confrontational, have hinted at deploying “federal might” to wrestle control of Edo State from Obaseki’s PDP. Speaking anonymously, an APC chieftain emphasised that “no stone would be left unturned” to ensure the party’s victory.

Allegations of Federal Interference

• Edo: PDP constitutes post-primary election reconciliation committee

Supporters of the PDP have expressed concern over what they perceive as bias from the federal government in favour of the APC in the forthcoming Edo governorship. They pointed to the appointment of the Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, both of whom they claim have ties to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The PDP also questioned the removal of Dr. Solomon Arase, an Edo indigene, as chairman of the Police Service Commission, calling it a calculated move by President Bola Tinubu to install officials sympathetic to the APC.

Adding to these concerns is a viral video of the Edo governorship in which President Tinubu allegedly promised APC members that he would “take back Edo from the PDP.” These actions, according to the PDP, reflect the federal government’s desperation to secure victory for the APC in the state.

Peace Accord Drama

In the face of rising tension, the National Peace Committee, led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, facilitated a peace accord signing for all 18 participating parties. However, the process hit a snag when the APC initially threatened to boycott the accord, demanding the arrest of alleged PDP thugs involved in the July 18 attack on Okpebholo’s convoy. Though the APC later rescinded its decision and signed the peace pact, the PDP stood firm in its refusal.

Governor Obaseki, during a meeting with General Abubakar, explained the PDP’s decision to reject the peace accord, accusing the police of bias in favour of the APC. He questioned how the PDP could sign a peace agreement when the enforcement agency, the Nigeria Police, was allegedly working against them.

Edo PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, echoed this sentiment, citing the continued detention of PDP members in Abuja as evidence of police partiality. The party called for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner, both of whom they claimed were loyal to the federal government.

Warnings from Political Analysts

Political pundits have raised serious concerns about the growing threat of violence. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, warned that the rising tension and mistrust between the parties could lead to violence on election day.

“The stage for violence has already been set ahead of the peace accord signing. The pre-election period has been characterized by hate speech, violent rhetoric, and attacks on political opponents,” Itodo said.

Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, added that the increased activities of cultists and political thugs, combined with inflammatory statements from political actors, could jeopardise the peaceful conduct of the election. She expressed concern over the proliferation of arms in the state and the failure to regulate these dangerous activities.

A State Poised for Conflict

Despite assurances from INEC and security agencies that the election will be conducted peacefully, the rhetoric and actions of the major political parties suggest that a showdown is imminent. While the electorate is eager for a free and fair election, the political gladiators appear more focused on securing victory—no matter the cost. As the election date draws near, Edo remains on edge, with the fear of violence looming large over what should be a democratic process.