INEC Chairman, Yakub Mahmood

Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, has berated the leadership of the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for protesting and condemning what it called the sudden scheduling of the bye election for Etsako Federal Constituency for January 28, 2017, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The PDP had alleged that there was strong evidence that APC had prior knowledge of the dates and have since even in contravention of the electoral law been campaigning.

The PDP in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Nehikhare, in Benin on Tuesday, said the attempt to catch the political parties unaware was roundly condemned and identified as a consequence of the unholy alliance developing between INEC and APC at a stake holders meeting at INEC office.

‎The party said it would nonetheless hold the party primaries forced on it by INEC and scheduled for Saturday irrespective of the very short notice.

“PDP will be presenting a strong, viable and grassroots-evolved candidate to represent the good people of Estako Federal Constituency.

“No amount of INEC and APC combination can stop the emergence of a PDP candidate to win and represent Estako Federal Constituency,” the party said.

‎But in a swift reaction to the allegation by PDP, the APC Chairman, Barr. Ojezua, said the PDP was “being stupid” to make such allegation that his party connived with INEC and has been campaigning ahead of the election.

Ojezua explained that it was a normal thing for politicians in the country to paste their posters even when election date has not been announced.

“For them to allege that, they are just being stupid,” he said.