OPINION: Aftermath of Edo South APC senatorial primary: Cheap Propaganda Masquerades as Journalism

By Amune James

At first glance, the report for want of a better label attempts to present itself as a bold political analysis of the concluded APC Edo South Senatorial Primary. In reality, however, it is little more than an emotionally charged opinion piece built almost entirely on unverified allegations, dramatic language and blatant political bias.

The publication made dangerous claims that Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and unnamed political actors allegedly deployed massive sums of money to influence the outcome of the primary election. Specifically, the article alleged that N1 million was distributed to six ward leaders across 77 wards, amounting to N462 million. It further alleged that the deputy governor personally released N77 million to secure support for a preferred candidate and that another N100 million was allegedly handed to journalists shortly before the primary election.

These are not minor accusations. These are grave financial and criminal allegations involving public officials, political actors and members of the media. Yet, astonishingly, the publication failed to provide a single document, receipt, bank transfer record, audio evidence, named witness or independently verifiable source to support any of the claims.

No investigative attachments. No financial trail. No official complaint. Nothing.

What the readers were given instead was theatrical writing filled with emotionally loaded expressions such as “fire sale of political integrity,” “ghost-chasing,” “spineless political actors,” and “political theatrics.” Such language immediately exposes the article’s true intention. It was never written to inform the public objectively. It was written to inflame passions, demonise perceived opponents and glorify a preferred political tendency within the APC.

Even the manner the primary result was presented reflected clear editorial manipulation. The article stated that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu polled 33,399 votes, while Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama received 12,560 votes and Senator Neda Imasuen secured 5,107 votes. Rather than simply reporting the outcome and analysing the political implications responsibly, the publication turned the exercise into an exaggerated morality tale, portraying one side as heroic defenders of democracy and the other as corrupt villains attempting to “buy the soul of Edo politics.”

This is not journalism. It is political theatre disguised as commentary.

The article also insulted the intelligence of party delegates and Edo voters by suggesting that every political decision must have been influenced solely by cash inducement. Ironically, while pretending to defend the people, the publication reduced them to helpless political commodities incapable of independent judgment.

More troubling is the reckless accusation involving journalists. Claiming that N100 million was distributed to members of the press is an extraordinary allegation capable of damaging reputations and undermining public trust in the media profession. If Standard Daily Press possesses evidence of such misconduct, it should publish the names, transactions and proof for public scrutiny. If not, then it has merely engaged in irresponsible smear tactics under the cover of press freedom.

Political primaries are internal democratic contests shaped by alliances, negotiations, interests and delegate preferences. Candidates win and lose. That is the nature of politics. Attempting to transform the Edo South APC primary into some grand revolutionary uprising against state oppression is intellectual dishonesty taken too far.

Sadly, the publication reflects a growing decline in editorial responsibility among certain online platforms where outrage now matters more than accuracy and propaganda travels faster than facts.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration will ultimately be judged by governance, development and measurable public impact — not by sensational headlines crafted to provoke emotions and manufacture controversy.

At best, the Standard Daily Press article is a bitter reaction from disappointed political interests. At worst, it is a calculated propaganda piece built on speculation, manipulation and unsupported allegations.

Either way, it falls far below the standards of credible journalism and deserves to be treated accordingly.

The very libellous report published by Standard Daily Press titled “The Death of Political Illusion—Why Okpebholo’s N1 Billion Could Not Buy Ogbeide-Ihama’s Senatorial Ticket” is a glaring example of how propaganda, exaggeration and political bitterness are increasingly being packaged as journalism in Nigeria’s digital media space.

At first glance, the report for want of a better label attempts to present itself as a bold political analysis of the concluded APC Edo South Senatorial Primary. In reality, however, it is little more than an emotionally charged opinion piece built almost entirely on unverified allegations, dramatic language and blatant political bias.

The publication made dangerous claims that Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa and unnamed political actors allegedly deployed massive sums of money to influence the outcome of the primary election. Specifically, the article alleged that N1 million was distributed to six ward leaders across 77 wards, amounting to N462 million. It further alleged that the deputy governor personally released N77 million to secure support for a preferred candidate and that another N100 million was allegedly handed to journalists shortly before the primary election.

These are not minor accusations. These are grave financial and criminal allegations involving public officials, political actors and members of the media. Yet, astonishingly, the publication failed to provide a single document, receipt, bank transfer record, audio evidence, named witness or independently verifiable source to support any of the claims.

No investigative attachments. No financial trail. No official complaint. Nothing.

What the readers were given instead was theatrical writing filled with emotionally loaded expressions such as “fire sale of political integrity,” “ghost-chasing,” “spineless political actors,” and “political theatrics.” Such language immediately exposes the article’s true intention. It was never written to inform the public objectively. It was written to inflame passions, demonise perceived opponents and glorify a preferred political tendency within the APC.

Even the manner the primary result was presented reflected clear editorial manipulation. The article stated that Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu polled 33,399 votes, while Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama received 12,560 votes and Senator Neda Imasuen secured 5,107 votes. Rather than simply reporting the outcome and analysing the political implications responsibly, the publication turned the exercise into an exaggerated morality tale, portraying one side as heroic defenders of democracy and the other as corrupt villains attempting to “buy the soul of Edo politics.”

This is not journalism. It is political theatre disguised as commentary.

The article also insulted the intelligence of party delegates and Edo voters by suggesting that every political decision must have been influenced solely by cash inducement. Ironically, while pretending to defend the people, the publication reduced them to helpless political commodities incapable of independent judgment.

More troubling is the reckless accusation involving journalists. Claiming that N100 million was distributed to members of the press is an extraordinary allegation capable of damaging reputations and undermining public trust in the media profession. If Standard Daily Press possesses evidence of such misconduct, it should publish the names, transactions and proof for public scrutiny. If not, then it has merely engaged in irresponsible smear tactics under the cover of press freedom.

Political primaries are internal democratic contests shaped by alliances, negotiations, interests and delegate preferences. Candidates win and lose. That is the nature of politics. Attempting to transform the Edo South APC primary into some grand revolutionary uprising against state oppression is intellectual dishonesty taken too far.

Sadly, the publication reflects a growing decline in editorial responsibility among certain online platforms where outrage now matters more than accuracy and propaganda travels faster than facts.

Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration will ultimately be judged by governance, development and measurable public impact — not by sensational headlines crafted to provoke emotions and manufacture controversy.

At best, the Standard Daily Press article is a bitter reaction from disappointed political interests. At worst, it is a calculated propaganda piece built on speculation, manipulation and unsupported allegations.

Either way, it falls far below the standards of credible journalism and deserves to be treated accordingly.

*Amuna Jame is a political activist and writes in from Benin City