Ahead of the February 16 Presidential and National Assembly elections, the ruling All Progressive Congress in Edo State has raised concerns that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party is mobilizing thugs from Bayelsa, Delta and River States.
It alleges that the thugs are being recruited to cause mayhem, anarchy and bloodshed before and during the elections.
The party, in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, accused the PDP of plotting to adopt the Venezuelan model of crisis resolution.
It claims that intelligence made available to the party was disturbing owing to the cache of police uniforms and large quantity of machetes in the consignment, and called on security agencies to be proactive and alert.
The APC further alleged that the PDP has embarked on hate propaganda and spurious allegations to discredit the entire electoral process in its desperation to regain power.
“For the PDP, the election is a do or die but for us it is an integrity test for the main contender.
“It is an avenue for Nigerians to align with the drive to stamp out corruption from our political culture. The PDP must not be given the platform to resume their nefarious activities and the looting of our common heritage.
But in his reaction, spokesman for Edo PDP, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, denied the allegation and said it was the Edo Government planning to import thugs and cause mayhem during the elections.
“That is laughble. Why would we be involving thugs when the election is ours to win. Edo poeple are with us. We are enjoying their support,” Nehikhare said.