The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its call for the redeployment of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, ahead of the scheduled August 16 by-elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the APC State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, the party described the PDP’s demand as a desperate attempt to preemptively justify its expected defeat in the forthcoming polls.
Tenebe said the PDP, under the leadership of its Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, was searching for scapegoats rather than accepting the party’s declining popularity in the state. “Governor Okpebholo’s achievements have led thousands of politicians out of the PDP. In fact, we have torn the umbrella into shreds. Edo people have already made up their minds to vote massively for the APC in this election and beyond into 2027,” he said.
According to the statement, the APC views Aziegbemi’s call for the “urgent redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner and other electoral officers assigned to key local government areas” as a baseless reaction to the “fatal defeats that await the PDP” during the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections.
“The fear being expressed by Aziegbemi and his dwindling group of political loyalists stems from the remarkable progress recorded by Governor Monday Okpebholo in just eight months in office,” the APC stated, noting that the party is now the only viable political force in the state.
Tenebe highlighted that both the federal and state APC-led administrations have rolled out numerous impactful initiatives, including the rehabilitation of roads, schools, hospitals, and other public infrastructure, alongside notable improvements in the state’s security.
He further revealed that the state government is currently recruiting teachers to strengthen the education sector, reaffirming APC’s commitment to development and service delivery.
Looking ahead to the by-elections, Tenebe confirmed that the party has fielded Hon. Joe Ikpea for the Edo Central Senatorial seat and Hon. Omosede Igbinedion for the Ovia Federal House of Representatives position.
“On August 16, 2025, Edo people will come out en masse to support the APC candidates. We are set to demonstrate to our national leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that the 2.5 million votes promised by Edo citizens is not only achievable but certain,” the statement concluded.
ADEOLA KUNLE
