Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has issued a strong warning to the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), threatening legal action over election fraud claims. Ribadu, through his office, is seeking an immediate retraction of claims made by Anthony Aziegbemi, the Edo PDP chairperson, who alleged that the Federal Government was attempting to manipulate the approaching Edo Governorship election. Aziegbemi’s statement explicitly named Ribadu and the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing them of being complicit in a conspiracy to influence the election results.
The dispute began on September 14, when Aziegbemi issued a public statement alleging that the APC-led Federal Government intended to tamper in the Edo election. He accused Ribadu and the DSS of working together to guarantee that the outcome of the governorship election favoured the ruling party. The statement, which has since gained traction on social media and news platforms, has sparked political tensions ahead of Edo state’s approaching election.
In response, Ribadu promptly published a statement, categorically refuting the claims and labelling them unfounded and slanderous. The NSA expressed dismay at the allegations, emphasising that neither he nor the DSS are involved in any type of electoral malpractice or plots to rig the election. Ribadu, a well-known figure in Nigerian security issues, claimed that the PDP’s claims were politically driven, with the goal of damaging the government and security institutions.
Ribadu has since given Aziegbemi and the Edo PDP a deadline to recant their statement and publicly apologise. Ribadu claims that failure to do so will result in a slander lawsuit. His office has stated that they are willing to take legal action to safeguard both his and the DSS’s credibility. Ribadu stated that his office is still dedicated to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Edo and other states across the country, and he urged all political parties to focus on constructive campaigning rather than making false claims.
The PDP, on the other hand, has shown no signs of retreating from its allegations. Aziegbemi has reiterated his statement, claiming that the PDP has evidence of the Federal Government’s plans to meddle with the electoral process. He accused the NSA and DSS of seeking to use their power to affect the election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC), vowing that the PDP would not let such acts go uncontested.
As the Edo Governorship Election approaches, these charges and the resulting legal threats have only fuelled an already tense political climate. The PDP, APC, and other stakeholders are bracing for a hotly contested election, with allegations of rigging casting a pall over the proceedings.
Ribadu’s vow to take legal action against the PDP has heightened the political drama in Edo state. If the potential case is followed, it might become a major focal point in the run-up to the election, widening the gap between the ruling party and the opposition. With both parties remaining solid in their beliefs, the stage is set for a fierce war, not just at the polls but also in the court of public opinion.