The National Spokesperson of the African Democratic Congress, Bolaji Abdullahi, has criticised Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, over a video in which the Governor said that the recent kidnappings in the state were politically motivated.
In the video, Okpebholo was said to have disclosed that: “They are kidnapping people because somebody wants to win election, it’s not fair. They did this to former President Jonathan and they succeeded, but we know their trick already.”
Reacting in a post on X and sighted by AFRIPOST, Abdullahi described the comments as insensitive and alarming, especially at a time when families of kidnap victims were still traumatised and awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo’s comments are not just careless, they are disturbing. Families are still crying, still waiting, still begging for their children to come home. Instead of giving them answers, this APC government is busy spinning fancy conspiracy theories.”
He said the remarks were indicative of a deeper problem within the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing the party of showing disregard for evidence-based governance.
“This is a real shame and a big problem. We can now see the sort of thinking that goes on within the APC. When government replaces hard evidence and real intelligence with baseless accusations and conspiracy theories, you know that we have a serious problem.”
Abdullahi also questioned whether Okpebholo understood the implications of his claims, adding that those who once exploited insecurity for political advantage now occupy leadership positions.
“By the way, does this Governor realise that the person that led the weaponisation of insecurity to discredit GEJ is the same man that is in power today?”
“How can a self-respecting public figure talk like this?”