In response to allegations by Yiaga Africa that major political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), engaged in vote buying during the recent Edo State governorship election, APC member Hon. Eziohuwa Agbonayinma has firmly denied such claims.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Agbonayinma said: “If Yiaga is saying APC bought votes, let them prove it. I can tell you there was nothing of such; the APC never needed to buy votes.”
Agbonayinma attributed the APC’s electoral support to the frustration of Edo indigenes with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Godwin Obaseki’s unmet promises.
“The people were angry; they came out en masse to support and vote for the APC because of their anger,” he stated.
He criticized the state government’s management of resources, claiming that President Bola Tinubu had ordered a substantial release of food aid, including a trailer load which he alleged was misappropriated by the governor.
“Mr. Governor stole most of the rice sold at the market. It was not given to the people,” he said, adding that over N500 billion was allocated to Edo State.
Agbonayinma also argued that financial allocations for educational and infrastructure improvements were not utilized effectively by the Obaseki-led administration.
“$35 million was meant to build schools; go and look at our schools, no roof, and children sitting on the floor. That money went to voicemail,” he said.
When asked whether the APC would investigate the alleged siphoning of funds by the state government, Agbonayinma described the situation as “an understatement.”
“He has to answer for it… this is not about the APC; it is about the people. Edo State must ask questions,” he said.
Agbonayinma praised Edo indigenes for their resolve to reject the governor’s candidate, declaring, “That is the reason they said we must change anyone Obaseki is bringing, and they have done that. We must appreciate and applaud our people.”