With tensions rising, calls for transparency and accountability are expected to shape the pre-election discourse.

In the build-up to the Edo State gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21, allegations have surfaced regarding the diversion of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) funds to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign.

The development has sparked several reactions, the latest from the Movement For Democracy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 5, Osaze Samuel, coordinator of the Movement for Democracy, condemned the alleged diversion of funds, particularly the provision of trailer loads of rice, to bankroll partisan activities.

"It is deeply concerning that funds allocated for the development of the Niger Delta, a region still grappling with critical infrastructure and socio-economic challenges, are allegedly being funnelled into the APC's election campaign," Samuel remarked.

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He called on the people of Edo State to stand firm against such misuse of public resources.

The group further criticised the alleged actions as an "egregious misuse of public resources," urging the people to demand accountability from public officeholders.

"The NDDC was created to address the needs of the Niger Delta people, not to bankroll political ambitions," the statement added.

NDDC debunk allegation

However, the NDDC issued a rebuttal in August, stating that the allegations were false.

In a statement issued to journalists, the commission's Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, described the claims as baseless.

"The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, does not sponsor political parties or candidates contesting in elections at any level of government. Our mandate is to fast-track the development of the Niger Delta region," the statement clarified.

With tensions rising, calls for transparency and accountability are expected to shape the pre-election discourse.