Edo Guber: Ribadu Threatens PDP Chairman with Lawsuit Over $2M Bribe Allegation

Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), has threatened to file a lawsuit against Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, following allegations that Ribadu released $2 million to influence the upcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for September 21.

In a statement released on Saturday, Aziegbemi claimed that the PDP had uncovered a plot involving the NSA to manipulate the election. He alleged that Ribadu had been directed to provide the funds to Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, to bribe security agencies and buy votes.

Responding to the accusations, Ribadu, through his lawyer Marian Aigbedion, described the statements as “libellous and malicious.” Aigbedion stated that the claims portrayed the NSA as a facilitator of corruption and undermined his reputation, highlighting Ribadu’s long-standing commitment to integrity as a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The NSA demanded a full retraction and apology from Aziegbemi, along with compensation of N10 billion for reputational damage. The demand includes publishing the retraction in multiple national newspapers, online platforms, TV, and radio stations.

Aziegbemi has also accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of bias towards the PDP in his handling of security matters leading up to the election.