The ragging battle for the soul of Edo State between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn, with the APC-run government accusing the PDP leadership of being the brain behind the menace of kidnapping ravaging the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement in Benin City on Tuesday averred that intelligence reports indicate the involvement of PDP leaders in recent kidnappings and violent crimes across the state.

He posited that the opposition PDP was sponsoring insecurity in Edo State as part of calculated efforts to undermine the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

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Itua described the PDP’s outcry over insecurity as “crocodile tears,” accusing them of deliberately orchestrating chaos while pretending to be concerned about public safety.

According to Itua, “The sudden concern expressed by PDP leaders is nothing but a smokescreen to divert attention from their own complicity. These are the same individuals who, during the 2024 governorship election, armed non-state actors with dangerous weapons, many of which were never recovered. Today, those weapons are in the hands of criminals terrorizing innocent Edo citizens.”

He added that the PDP’s strategy was to create an atmosphere of fear, spread misinformation, and discredit the current administration.

“Their goal is clear — destabilize the state, weaken public confidence in Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, and push a false narrative of failure. But Edo people can see through these antics,” Itua stated.

He revealed that the state government has called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of PDP leaders in the rising wave of kidnappings and armed violence.

“No individual or political group should be allowed to hold the state hostage for political gain. Those found culpable must face the full wrath of the law,” he added.

Gov Okpebholo’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring the protection of lives and property. The government urged Edo residents to remain vigilant and not fall for what it described as the PDP’s “deceptive tactics.”

Itua pointed out that “Insecurity thrives when its perpetrators believe they are untouchable. It is time for security agencies to prove them wrong.”

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa remains the duly elected leader of Ondo State after an appeal challenging his victory in the November 16, 2024, gubernatorial election was dismissed.

The case, brought forward by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mr. Agboola Ajayi, was thrown out by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Ajayi had sought to disqualify Aiyedatiwa over allegations that his running mate, Dr. Olayide Owolabi, submitted inconsistent documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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He argued that some certificates bore “Jackson” as the deputy governor’s middle name, while others had “Owolabi,” with no official record of a name change.

However, the apex court ruled that a documented name change does not amount to electoral fraud.

It found evidence confirming that Owolabi had used “Jackson” during his secondary school years before formally changing it.

Additionally, the court ruled that Ajayi lacked the locus standi to challenge the election, as he had filed the case after the legal time limit.

The suit, which stemmed from nomination forms submitted on May 20, 2024, was only taken to the Federal High Court on June 7, exceeding the 14-day window allowed by law.

As a result, the Supreme Court upheld the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, dismissing the case and imposing a ₦2 million cost on Ajayi, payable to each of the four respondents.

Reacting to the judgment, the Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, described it as a victory for democracy and due process.

“As I have stated previously, the courtroom is a battleground for legal reasoning, and every advocate who argues a case contributes to strengthening our democracy,” Ajulo said.

He emphasized that the ruling had effectively put an end to the prolonged legal battle over Aiyedatiwa’s election, reinforcing the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State.

“The decision solidifies the legitimacy of the APC-led government in Ondo State, closing the chapter on the prolonged political legal tussle,” he added.

The Edo State Government has issued a clarification statement on the worrisome state of governance and insecurity it has been grappling with under Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The state government’s position, which claims the deplorable state of things was political motivated and exaggerated, was communicated by the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua on Monday in Benin City.

With the state drifting towards becoming ungovernable, Itua assured that his principal “remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state”.

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He offered the following explanations, “Recent claims that Edo State is “under siege” and that “lawlessness is now the order of the day” are exaggerated and misleading. While no society is entirely free from security challenges, it is important to distinguish between genuine concerns and politically motivated narratives.

“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and has taken decisive steps to enhance security across the state.

“Key initiatives include the reorganization of the Edo Security Network, improved collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and increased investment in modern security infrastructure. These measures are already yielding positive results, as security personnel are better equipped to tackle emerging threats and ensure peace in Edo communities.

“Additionally, concerns about market disruptions and illegal revenue collection are being addressed through structural reforms in the transport and revenue sectors. Unlike previous administrations that tolerated extortion and intimidation of traders, this government is actively working to eliminate multiple taxation and illegal toll collection. To ensure proper enforcement, the state government has engaged Atalakpa Recovery Concept Ltd. As an enforcement compliance consultant, reinforcing its commitment to transparent and lawful revenue collection.

“It is also worth noting that Edo State has made significant progress in curbing insecurity. The current administration has procured modern security equipment, deployed personnel to identified hotspots, and established a rapid response mechanism to address security concerns swiftly. These proactive measures contrast sharply with the past, when crime rates, including kidnappings and cult-related violence, were at alarming levels.

“Governor Okpebholo welcomes constructive criticism and values diverse perspectives on governance. However, public discourse should be grounded in facts rather than politically driven misinformation. Edo residents can see the tangible improvements taking place, and efforts to discredit the progress made will not alter the reality of a state moving towards greater security, economic stability, and improved governance.

“The administration remains focused on fostering a safe and conducive environment for businesses and residents alike. With continued commitment to security, economic development, and accountability, Edo State is on the path to lasting progress.”