The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to address the controversial takeover of its Edo State secretariat by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The dispute centers on the property located at 59 Airport Road, Benin City, which the PDP had occupied since Governor Godwin Obaseki joined the party in 2020 after leaving the APC. Last Thursday, the APC reportedly took control of the building, prompting strong reactions from PDP leaders.

PDP’s Criticism of APC

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, PDP National Deputy Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor described the APC’s actions as an assault on democracy and the rule of law.

Osadolor accused the APC of repeatedly disregarding legal processes, saying:

“This country once upheld the rule of law and established protocols. But now, we’re witnessing abnormalities that should never happen.”

He added that despite court judgments restraining the APC and ordering a return to the status quo, the party had defied these rulings.

Osadolor also suggested that the APC’s actions reflect broader issues under President Tinubu’s administration:

“Since the President himself has shown disregard for the laws of the land, it is unsurprising that his party is following suit. These actions undermine our democracy.”

Appeal for Calm and Warning of Potential Unrest

Osadolor urged PDP members in Edo to remain calm and avoid escalating the situation:

“My message to PDP members in Edo is to remain calm and avoid actions that could escalate the situation. I firmly believe that, like the night, this too shall pass.”

However, he warned that the ongoing disregard for democratic norms could spark significant unrest:

“If pushed too far, a single spark could ignite significant unrest.”

APC’s Silence

Efforts to obtain a response from APC officials in Abuja were unsuccessful. Calls to National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka went unanswered, and National Vice Chairman (South-East) Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu declined to comment, stating that he had not been following the developments.

Broader Implications

The secretariat dispute highlights the growing tension between the two major political parties in Nigeria. It also raises concerns about adherence to the rule of law and the potential for political instability in Edo State and beyond.

The PDP has vowed to persist in its legal and political efforts to reclaim the property, appealing to security agencies and the judiciary to ensure justice is upheld.