The Edo State government has refuted allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopolo influenced the last National Assembly election in the state by telling the people to vote for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Special Adviser to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Political Matters, Charles Idahosa said the Oba did not in any way influence the outcome of the 2011 general election in the state in favour of the ACN.
The PDP senatorial Vice-Chairman, Owere Dickson Imasogie had in an interview with a national daily on Monday, alleged that the Oba of Benin was instrumental to the victory of ACN in the polls, saying he instructed voters to vote for the ACN.

Addressing journalists in Benin yesterday while reacting to Imasogie’s allegation, Idahosa said it was not fair to ascribe ACN victory to the Oba as he is not a politician and could not have played such a role.

He maintained that there was no message from any traditional ruler or institution, calling on the people to vote for the ACN.

“What is happening is a rebirth of development by the governor as the state was a total mess before he came on board. Since members of the PDP do not have an answer to the monumental stride of the governor, they have now decided to involve the Oba of Benin,” he said.

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