In a recent media briefing, the Edo State Government, under the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has denounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its continued use of smear tactics and misinformation in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
The briefing, held by Commissioner for Communication and Orientation Chris Osa Nehikhare, highlighted the APC’s failure to articulate a coherent vision for the state while resorting to attacks on the PDP and its accomplishments.
Nehikhare pointed out that the APC has issued over 150 press statements in the past three months, yet none have addressed their plans for Edo State or their candidate’s vision for governance.
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“It is perplexing that rather than presenting a meaningful agenda, the APC chooses to distract the electorate with baseless accusations,” he stated.
The PDP government has been proactive in its efforts to support the people of Edo State, committing one billion naira monthly to food palliatives aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by residents due to the economic mismanagement by the APC-led Federal Government.
Nehikhare urged the APC to disclose their plans to mitigate the suffering of the populace instead of engaging in what he termed “lies and propaganda.”
Highlighting key initiatives of the PDP administration, Nehikhare noted that the government has successfully raised the minimum wage to 70,000 naira, with the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, promising to explore further increases.
He challenged the APC to clarify their stance on the minimum wage: “Will they increase or reduce it? What innovative strategies do they have to finance it?”
Additionally, the Edo State Government has offered free bus rides to residents since the removal of fuel subsidies, a programme that has benefitted over six million people. Nehikhare demanded to know if the APC plans to continue this initiative or abandon it altogether.
The Commissioner also highlighted the PDP’s record of employing over 5,000 individuals in the state civil service and called for clarity from the APC regarding their employment plans, particularly in light of the proposed minimum wage.
Nehikhare further assured residents that the PDP government has consistently paid salaries and pensions on time, urging the APC to clarify if they would uphold this commitment or revert to past practices of delayed payments.
As the political landscape heats up, Nehikhare asserted that the people of Edo State are discerning and will not be swayed by the APC’s diversionary tactics. He expressed a desire for the APC candidate to communicate his vision directly to the electorate, stating, “We want to hear him speak—whether in Esan or pidgin—about what he intends to do for our state.”
In a pointed critique of the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, Nehikhare remarked on the candidate’s reliance on a large team of spokespersons without articulating his own vision.
Nehikhare addressed the irony of the APC’s recent calls for the presidency to scrutinise Governor Obaseki while failing to act against their own members allegedly involved in violent activities. He noted the apparent double standards and lack of accountability within the APC.
The briefing concluded with an acknowledgement of the recognition received by the PDP government from various international organisations, commending its achievements over the past eight years. Nehikhare reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the people of Edo State and expressed confidence that the electorate would make their voices heard on September 21, reminding the APC that “elections are not won by lies and alternative facts.”
As the campaign continues, all eyes are on Edo State, where the political stakes are high, and the electorate’s decision will shape the future of governance in the region.
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