Edo Election: APC Demands Resignation of PDP Deputy Candidate from Government Position

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday demanded the resignation of Osarodion Ogie, the running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, from his current role as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

The APC argued that Ogie should not continue receiving public salaries and benefits while actively campaigning for the upcoming election. The APC’s Acting State Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe, stated that Ogie’s decision to remain in office is both unacceptable and disrespectful to the citizens of Edo State. Tenebe emphasized that as an unelected public officer, Ogie is violating ethical standards and public service rules by using public resources for his private campaign.

Tenebe said, “As an unelected public officer, Ogie is given an ultimatum to resign from government forthwith as his continuous stay in office is a clear violation of all known rules of decency and ethics. By remaining in office, while posing as running mate in the governorship election, Ogie is also in violation of the public service rules which prohibit a public servant from using public resources to fund private purposes.”

He added, “Ogie is currently earning salary and other official benefits as Secretary to the State Government, even while pursuing a private ambition to become deputy governor. He is using official vehicles and other government logistics to service his electioneering campaign. This is totally unacceptable and a waste of taxpayers’ money. This is the very definition of corruption. No unelected public servant should be allowed to do this. It’s patently wrong and a disservice to the state and the long-suffering people of Edo State.”

In response, Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, dismissed the APC’s demands, calling them baseless. Nehikhare cited the Electoral Act, which allows Ogie to remain in his government role until one month before the election. He criticized the APC for their interpretation of the law, stating, “They can’t read and their candidate can’t read. They should go and read the electoral law, it says 30 days before the election. It is obvious now the APC cannot read and their candidate cannot read, it is a party of clueless people.”