The Edo People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm saying it has uncovered plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to orchestrate violence aimed at disrupting Tribunal proceedings.
The tribunal holds sittings at the high court premises in Benin City, capital of Edo State.
A chieftain of the PDP, Barrister Tony Ehilebor, stated: “We have credible information that individuals posing as PDP supporters have been mobilized by the APC to cause chaos at the High Court premises.
“The PDP has not authorized or invited any of its members or support groups to be present at the court.
“The individuals currently assembling outside the court premises are imposters.
“We call on security agencies to take immediate notice of this situation and ensure the safety of Judges, lawyers, and all parties involved in the Tribunal process.
One other statement said: “In a significant development and aware of its imminent loss at the ongoing election petition tribunal in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the APC in Edo State has resorted to sponsor thugs who disguise as supporters of the PDP to inflict terror on judges.
“On Wednesday, an armed thug affiliated to the APC was seen around the court premises on Sapele Road, shouting “give us our mandate”, as if he is a supporter of the PDP, a failed attempt to give the PDP a bad name.
“We are aware of their shenanigans and scheme to stall the tribunal; however, the failed APC cannot stop the process as it is a constitutional requirement to challenge perceived electoral irregularities in court; PDP’s mandate was unarguably stolen by the APC in the last September 21 Edo governorship election, and Edo people are committed to see to the return of the mandate to its rightful owners.
“The PDP in pursuit of a peaceful exercise, had long mandated its members of steer clear of the court premises, and allowed the legal team to do their job in a peaceful and friendly atmosphere; that directive remains valid in the current circumstances.
“We call strongly on the relevant security agencies to rein in on the APC sponsored armed thugs who have been seen wielding dangerous weapons around the court premises in a video making the rounds on the social media this morning.”
