Shutting Schools for Votes? APC Accuses Obaseki of Playing Politics with Education

Shutting Schools for Votes? APC Accuses Obaseki of Playing Politics with Education

The APC New Media Directorate has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of using the recent closure of schools in Edo State as a desperate political stunt aimed at swaying public opinion ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election. The governor, citing rising fuel prices as his justification, ordered the indefinite closure of schools, a move that the APC claims is a calculated attempt to manipulate the people of Edo Sta te.

In a statement signed by the Director of the APC New Media Directorate, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, the party condemned Obaseki’s actions, calling it a “reckless ploy” that endangers the future of Edo’s children. The APC highlighted that fuel prices, since the removal of the subsidy, are driven by market forces and not under federal government control—something Obaseki is well aware of but chooses to exploit for political gain.

“Obaseki’s sudden decision to shut down schools is nothing more than a political stunt designed to sow confusion and chaos across the state. At a time when our children need education the most, he has deprived them of learning opportunities, using them as pawns in his political chess game,” the statement read.

The APC further criticized Obaseki for failing to improve the educational sector during his tenure, despite receiving over 17 billion Naira in monthly revenue. The party pointed out that no new schools have been built under Obaseki’s administration, and the existing schools, many of which were established during the “Red Roof Revolution” under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, have been left in disrepair. These schools, according to the APC, now suffer from a lack of teachers, desks, and basic learning facilities.

“Governor Obaseki’s hypocrisy knows no bounds,” the APC noted. “This is the same man who employed teachers on contract and told them their future depends on the electoral success of his puppet candidate, Asue Ighodalo. Does this sound like someone who genuinely cares about education?”

The party warned Edo people not to be deceived by what it called Obaseki’s “political games,” urging them to recognize the governor’s tactics as an attempt to divert attention from his administration’s failures. The APC reiterated its commitment to restoring quality education in Edo State under the leadership of its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, promising that real change is on the way.

As the election approaches, the APC has vowed to remain vigilant and hold Obaseki accountable for any further attempts to manipulate the public for political gain.

“Obaseki’s school closure is a clear attempt to play politics with the future of our children, and the people of Edo will not stand for it,” the statement concluded.