‘It’s a confession’ — PDP reacts to Okpebholo’s ‘provide Edo with insecurity’ remark

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described a recent comment by Monday Okpebholo, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state, as a confession.

While addressing a crowd of supporters at his campaign rally at Ovia-north LGA on Thursday, Okpebholo goofed, saying he would provide residents of the state with insecurity if elected.

“We’re going to provide you with insecurity,” Okpebholo said in video clips which has since gone viral.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, said Okpebholo’s remark was “not a mistake”.

“The recent public comment by the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo that he will provide the people of Edo state with insecurity is not a slip but a subconscious confession triggered by preponderance of APC meetings and discussion on schemes to visit the people of Edo State with violence before and during the election,” the PDP said.

‘APC USING POLICE TO HARASS OUR MEMBERS’

The PDP claimed that leaders of APC are using the police to “threaten and arrest” its members ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

The party said Kingsley Osahon, Odion Bright, and Timothy Isibor are among the people “illegally” arrested by the police in the state.

“On Wednesday, August 28 2024, an attempt was made by the said APC-controlled operatives to arrest chief Francis Inegbeniki, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP,” the party said.

“Also last week Wednesday, September 4 2024, the APC’s agent stormed the house of one Shina who decamped from the APC to the PDP three weeks ago and forcefully took him away while shooting sporadically to scare the people.

“On Tuesday, September 3, 2024 an attempt was made to pick Mr Joel Aidamebor which was firmly resisted by the people.”

The PDP said it will do everything necessary to protect Nigeria’s  democracy and ensure that the “will of the people of Edo State is not subverted in this election”.

The party asked Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of its members and supporters arrested in the state.