As the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, approaches, some political sources have exposed a recent clandestine meeting held by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
According to the sources, the high-level meeting, which took place behind closed doors, was attended by key figures, including Jarret Tenebe, the APC State Chairman, and Senator Monday Okpebholo, the party’s governorship candidate.
The sources revealed that the primary agenda was to strategize on how to accuse the Edo State security network of intimidation and violence against APC members.
The plan reportedly involves a coordinated effort to publicly portray the security agencies as being biased and oppressive, aiming to undermine their credibility and shift public perception in the lead-up to the election.
”During the meeting, the APC leadership discussed ways to document and publicize alleged incidents of intimidation and violence purportedly orchestrated by the state security network.
”The intention, as outlined in the discussions, is to create a narrative that suggests the security forces are acting in favour of other political interests, thereby fostering an atmosphere of distrust and controversy.
”The APC’s strategy appears to be a calculated move to generate sympathy among voters and create a pretext for any potential disputes or disruptions during the election.
”By casting the security network in a negative light, the party hopes to influence public opinion and gain an electoral advantage,” one of the sources said.
Another source declared that he is aware of the move, adding that Senator Okpebholo and Tenebe, the party’s State Chairman, were pivotal in formulating this plan.
Recall that a recent directive from the APC urged local government chairmen in Edo to compile lists of 400 names per ward has sparked outrage in the state.
Opposition parties say the move is aimed at bribing voters and rigging the results ahead for the party in the forthcoming governorship election.
The directive was issued by Lawrence Osarobo Okah, the State Secretary of the APC.
