Jarret Tenebe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Edo State, and Philip Shaibu, the state’s deputy governor, are facing serious allegations of orchestrating a scheme to rig the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Reports have emerged indicating that Tenebe and Shaibu are involved in procuring military uniforms intended to facilitate election rigging.
According to various sources in the state, the uniforms are being acquired to create the appearance of military presence during the election, and to intimidate and suppress supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party.
As planned by the APC, Shaibu’s official vehicles will be used to conceal firearms during the election.
The strategy aims to provide cover for armed personnel who are expected to target PDP and Labour Party agents, as well as their supporters, to sway the election in favour of the APC.
A source with insider knowledge of the situation stated, “Jarret Tenebe and Philip Shaibu are allegedly procuring military uniforms to deploy during the election.
“The uniforms will be used to intimidate voters and disrupt the activities of the PDP and Labour Party. Shaibu’s official vehicles will also be used to transport guns, further escalating the violence.”
The accusations come amid increasing tensions as Edo State approaches its gubernatorial election.
Allegations of election rigging and intimidation have been consistently linked with the APC, especially after the violence caused by the party’s thugs recently at Airport Road, Benin.
The APC and Shaibu have yet to respond to the accusations. Political observers, however, say if proven true, the actions could not only undermine the credibility of the election process but also incite further unrest in the state.
The Edo State election is being closely watched both locally and internationally, with various stakeholders calling for a free and fair electoral process.
As the election date approaches, the allegations against Tenebe and Shaibu add a troubling dimension to the political landscape in Edo State.
