Edo State politician Emmanuel Odigie has declared that no progressive democrats in the state want to be associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing a climate of lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law under the party’s leadership.
He stated this opinion during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, saying, “Today in Edo, there are no progressive democrats that want to be associated with APC anymore. I am no longer of the APC based on the happenings in Edo.”
Odigie specifically called out the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of fostering an environment of “total disregard for the rule of law and the constitution.” He condemned a violent incident in Uhunmwonde local government council, where he alleged thugs, with the backing of security agencies, attacked workers on their first day back after the New Year celebrations.
“You need to see the horror that took place in Uhunmwonde local government council area yesterday,” Odigie said. “Men and women, Edo indigenes, citizens of Nigeria, got up, went to work, only for them to get to their offices to be shot at by thugs aided by security agencies.”
He further alleged that similar plans were underway in other local government areas, including Owan, accusing authorities of failing to take action. “The police are not ready to enforce court judgement,” he said.
Odigie also expressed frustration with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, questioning the president’s commitment to the “renewed hope” promised during his campaign.
“Is this the renewed hope that the president promised us? What is the sin of Edo people to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?” he asked.
Odigie referenced the APC’s controversial approach to governance in Edo, including allegations of councillors being kidnapped and forced to defect to the party, as well as unilateral decisions to impeach elected officials without due process.
He said, “Councillors kidnapped, forced to decamp to APC. One councillor would impeach an elected chairman and vice chairman without due process? Where in the world does such thing happen in a democracy?”
The former APC member therefore called for greater enforcement of court judgments, adherence to democratic principles, and protection for citizens in Edo. He warned of a growing culture of fear and impunity that threatens the state’s democratic integrity.
“Look, Edo is under siege,” he said. “People are scared and afraid for their lives.”
Odigie’s remarks highlight the deepening divisions in Edo State politics and raise questions about the APC’s approach to governance and the broader state of democracy in Nigeria.
Melissa Enoch
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