The acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe and a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Francis Inegbeniki, are trading blames over plan to disrupt the Edo Central Senatorial District by-election.

Tenebe had alleged in a statement that Inegbeniki was mobilizing youths from neighbouring states to disrupt the Saturday by-election at Edo Central Senatorial District.

He also alleged that Inegbeniki was involved in the murder of governor Monday Okpebholo orderly, Inspector Unoh Akor, who was killed at the airport gate during the 2024 electioneering .

Responding, Inegbeniki described the allegations as reckless, malicious and false, as he had no plan to disrupt the election.

“My attention has been drawn to a libelous press release signed by a self styled Emperor Jarret Tenebe, where my name was mentioned as one of those mobilizing thugs to disrupt the Saturday election in Esan Land (Edo Central Senatorial District),” he said.

According to him, Jarret has become a disgrace to the APC because of his reckless talks.

“The APC must begin to watch the activities of Tenebe, he is known in the past to make this kind of reckless statement so that APC can release money to him to counter the so called imaginary thugs. This must be one of such statements to collect money from APC,” he added.

He also denied any involvement in the death of Inspector Akor, saying he was not on Airport road on the day of the incident or conspired with anyone.

He alleged that Tenebe framed the allegations against him just to smear his hard earned reputation.

“I have already instituted a libel action against Jaret Tenebe and his cohorts, we are in court and I believe I will get justice ” he said.

He charged all peace loving people of Edo Central Senatorial District to go about their civic duty by going out to vote for their candidates on Saturday. (Daily Trust)