Edo PDP Chairman Distances Self from Controversial Statement Circulated by Obaseki’s Aide

Edo State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, has disowned a statement allegedly circulated by Crusoe Osagie, an aide to Governor Godwin Obaseki. The statement, which accused Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, of plotting to rig the upcoming election, has since triggered legal threats from Ribadu.

The controversial statement, distributed to media outlets on September 14, claimed that Ribadu had funneled $2 million to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Edo, aiming to manipulate the election process. The accusation included allegations of security interference and involvement from Nigeria’s secret police, the SSS, under orders from the presidency.

However, Aziegbemi, whose name appeared on the statement, issued a disclaimer, refuting the claims and distancing himself from the content. He suggested that the statement was likely the work of political adversaries seeking to destabilize the PDP’s campaign. “This is the handiwork of irresponsible mischief-makers,” Aziegbemi said on September 15, urging the public to disregard the statement entirely.

Nuhu Ribadu responded swiftly, through his legal counsel, demanding N10 billion in damages, alongside a retraction and formal apology from Aziegbemi. Ribadu’s lawyers described the allegations as “entirely false,” warning that the defamatory statements were severely damaging to his reputation and standing.

Amid the rising tensions, Aziegbemi reiterated that the controversial statement was not his, and despite it being circulated on official PDP letterhead, he maintained that political opponents likely forged the document. “I didn’t issue it,” he said when asked about Osagie’s involvement, although he stopped short of directly accusing the governor’s aide.