The All Progressives Congress (APC) is looking to capitalize on the internal discord within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State as the September 21 governorship election approaches.
This strategy was confirmed by Edo APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, and the party’s Woman Leader, Mrs. Patricia Okoebor-Benson, in separate interviews. The PDP recently expelled former deputy governor Philip Shaibu and National Vice Chairman (South-South) Dan Orbih for alleged anti-party activities.
Despite the PDP’s assertion that these expulsions would not affect their chances in the election, the APC views the situation as a beneficial opportunity for their candidate, Senator Monday Okphebolo.
Tenebe expressed the party’s intent to leverage the crisis, including potentially recruiting the expelled PDP members. “A sensible party will want to hold on to their best hands,” he stated. He noted that the expelled members, including Orbih and a former House of Representatives member, could significantly bolster the APC’s ranks.
Okoebor-Benson echoed this sentiment, declaring that the APC is poised to win the election. She criticized the PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and expressed confidence in the APC’s prospects.
Contrarily, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, acknowledged some internal disagreement over the expulsions but maintained that they would not significantly impact the party’s chances. While recognizing Orbih’s influence, he dismissed Shaibu’s electoral significance and suggested that Orbih would not act against the PDP.
The upcoming election on September 21 remains a focal point of contention as both parties maneuver to secure victory amid the evolving political landscape in Edo State.
