On Thursday, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) explained why it chose not to sign the peace accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee, led by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
The reasons cited included alleged bias by the police and a lack of confidence in the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
At a press conference held at the party secretariat, PDP Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, governorship candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo, Director General of the Asue Ogie Campaign Management Council Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, and other party leaders reported that several party members had been arrested and taken to Abuja.
Read Also: Why PDP Refused To Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of Edo Governorship Election – Abdulsalami Abubakar
Dr. Aziegbemi revealed that 16 party members have faced harassment or arrest, with five of them detained for over six weeks and six others declared wanted.
Aziegbiemi said it was obvious that the police and the INEC were in an alliance with the All Progressives Congress “In the course of preparations for this election however, strange and disturbing new elements have been introduced in particular by a Party that has concluded that it cannot prevail in a free, fair and peaceful election which is the APC.
“That Party and its senior officials have openly boasted about their intention to deploy ‘Federal Might’ to ensure victory despite the will or wishes of the Edo people.
“The situation has subsequently degenerated into an all-out reign of terror where members of the APC are acting as pointers for effecting the illegal arrest and rendition of the said PDP members without charge.”
He said the PDP would be ready to sign the pact if there is immediate and “unconditional release/production of all persons currently in unlawful custody or all these persons if alleged to have committed any crime should be immediately brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in compliance with all civilized constitutional processes.
“The immediate redeployment of the current Edo State Commissioner of Police, the current Resident Electoral Commissioner REC, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and their replacement with persons who can exhibit fairness and balance in the performance of their functions and who do not have any links to the contending parties or vested interests in the process
“The immediate recall of any external Police Team/Squad from Abuja or any other location in Nigeria currently marauding in Edo State, illegally arresting perceived political opponents and creating undue tension in the State.
“An undertaking and commitment by the Nigeria Police and INEC to operate a level playing field without allowing themselves to become a private army at the behest of one of the contending parties.”
For his part, PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo appealed to President Bola Tinubu to uphold democratic principles in the upcoming election.
He urged the President to ensure that these principles are respected, as Ighodalo believes that his extensive campaigning across the state has garnered strong support from the people of Edo State and that he is poised to win the election.
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