The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State, alleged that the redeployment of the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Adeyinka Ayinla, was politically motivated by the APC to pave way for the perfection of their alleged rigging strategies.
But in a swift reaction, the Chairman, APC Media Campaign Council, John Mayaki described the allegation as an indication that PDP wanted to rig “otherwise why should they be complaining of deployment?” In a statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Nehikhare said: “The latest of such evil plots of the APC to win the election through foul and unfair means is the redeployment of Mr Ayinla as the commandant of the NSCDC. “The posting by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is politically motivated and a plot to rig the governorship election. ”The new state commandant is a lackey of a leader of the APC and has worked closely with him in the past. Findings also showed that the new Edo NSCDC head is of a rank that is above his new posting as state commandant. “We are convinced that Mr Ayinla may have been posted to Edo to do dirty jobs for the APC.
“With the turn of events and revelations, we are skeptical of the plans the APC led federal government has for INEC, Police and other security agencies.” PDP’s allegation is a distraction — APC But reacting on behalf of the APC, Mr Mayaki said: “As a two-term Governor of Edo State and a prominent national political figure and leader, it goes without saying that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is a concerned stakeholder in matters involving Edo State, especially an important election where the people have to choose between a failed incumbent and a prepared challenger who has, thus far, ran an admirable campaign focused on his documented manifesto dubbed the SIMPLE agenda. ”Besides, the call for non-violence and the peaceful conduct of any election is a patriotic and responsible demand that could be made by any Nigerian, whether his rank high or low, and whether or not he/she has a professed political leaning or not.” ”Local and international agencies, independent monitoring groups, and other civil society organizations have all made similar requests of adequate security during the election and after to the IG of Police and the Presidency because they understand the importance of protecting the electorates and the integrity of elections from desperate political actors like the Edo PDP’s candidate who, only days ago, led thugs to the Edo Assembly complex to vandalize the building and deny access to duly elected members.”
