In a bold statement, Prince Emmanuel Odigie, APC chieftain and member Edo Integrity Group, has revealed alleged plans by the All-Progressives Congress to manipulate and rig the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, using the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Senate President God’swill Akpabio and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, while the president takes a holiday.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, Odigie, while criticising the current state of political affairs in Edo State, noted that part of the APC’s rigging plan also includes using the police to intimidate voters on the day of election.
He also promised to reveal evidence of these claims at the appropriate time, underscoring his commitment to prioritising Edo’s development over partisan politics.
“We know their plans and we would reveal them. There is a masterplan by the APC to use the vice president, the senate president and Gbajabiamila to rig elections, while the president will go on holidays. There is a plan to use the police to intimidate people. We know all these things. At the appropriate time, we would begin to reel out proof. I am putting Edo above APC as a party.”
Addressing Adams Oshiomhole’s claims in a previous interview, Odigie expressed disappointment, accusing him of misleading the public by discussing a ‘nonexistent’ court judgment and called for him to allow a free and fair election. He implied that Oshiomhole’s influence in Edo is waning, suggesting that the people of Edo no longer support him.
“Let me even address Adams Oshiomhole, our leader. I am sad to see a man who is supposed to be an elder statesman, well over 70 years, come on national television and mislead the public. He came and talked about a judgement that never existed. Oshiomhole should wake up and smell the coffee. Edo people do not believe in him anymore. His days are over and he should allow a free and fair election.”
He also criticised the candidacy of Monday Okpebholo, APC’s governorship candidate, suggesting that his lack of relevant experience makes him an unsuitable candidate for governor.
He claimed that Okpebholo’s INEC form lists no prior work experience, raising concerns about his ability to govern over six million people.
“We cannot in the 21st century afford to have a man who cannot read a balance sheet as governor of Edo state, the intellectual hub of the south-south. If the office of the governor was a conventional job, would Monday Okpebholo be applying for the same job as Asue Ighodalo? This is a disservice and a problem we have in this country.
“Go and look at Okpebholo’s INEC form, you will see previous experience, Nil. Not one work experience written on his INEC form. Is that the person we want to put the future of over 6 million people in his hands? I am not a member of the PDP and I speak for the APC integrity group. I do not speak for the PDP.
“There were 29 Edo prominent sons and daughters that were interested in the Edo ballot. We had a community that scrutinised and did due diligence on each aspirant and we rated them and in all of the 29, Okpebholo was the least qualified. I am a Nigerian that wants good governance.”
Furthermore, Odigie challenged Okpebholo to demonstrate his competence by reading a balance sheet on any television station of his choice. He offered a 5-million-naira reward if Okpebholo can successfully read a balance sheet, underscoring his belief in the importance of intellectual capability in leadership roles.
He also mentioned dissatisfaction among Edo’s diaspora community, who are reportedly advocating for Okpebholo’s recall from the senate due to doubts about his qualifications.
“There is a 5-million-naira cheque. If Okpebholo is able to present himself to any TV station of his choice and read a balance sheet to the hearing of Edo people, he will get the 5 million naira from me. Do you know that Edo in diaspora has written that they want to recall Okpebholo from the senate? They are wondering how he got to the senate.”
Chioma Kalu
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