Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has raised alarms over an impending crisis in the upcoming governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.
Obaseki accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and elements within the Nigeria Police Force of colluding to intimidate, arrest, and kidnap key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bid to weaken the party’s chances.
In a statement personally signed by the governor, he revealed that more than ten PDP chieftains have been unlawfully detained in the past few weeks, with many held in secret locations.
He said among those arrested was Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, who was whisked away to Abuja by police forces.
The governor stated that despite efforts he made to intervene, including a direct appeal to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, his authority as the state’s Chief Security Officer was disregarded.
“We have it on good authority that a rogue police team has been provided with a long list of PDP chieftains to be arrested and detained until after the election,” Obaseki said.
He warned that the actions are setting the stage for chaos in Edo State, jeopardizing the peaceful election process and risking a significant security crisis.
The governor cited several incidents, including a violent disturbance on Airport Road, Benin City, on July 18, 2024, which he claimed was orchestrated by APC thugs.
He said despite video evidence, no arrests have been made, and instead, members of the PDP have been targeted for arrest.
Obaseki demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all PDP chieftains arrested in what he described as “Gestapo-style” operations.
He also called on the international community, including embassies and development organizations, to intervene and hold the responsible actors accountable to prevent further violence.
“We are using this opportunity to stress that this stance is a recipe for disaster and would invariably lead to chaos in the State if not checked,” Obaseki warned, adding that Edo people will stand firm against intimidation and subversion in defence of their electoral rights.
The governor urged the presidency to rein in the actions of the APC and the police, calling for fair play and a credible election.
He emphasized the progress Edo State has made in ensuring peace and security and implored all stakeholders to prevent the state from being plunged into disorder.
In a related development, the Edo Democracy Movement has issued a stern warning to the APC regarding the forthcoming Edo governorship election.
The movement stated that any attempt by the APC to rig the election would trigger a major backlash, potentially sparking a revolution that would begin in Edo State and resonate across Nigeria.
The convener of the movement, Comrade Omoregbe Osayiuwa, said there is high political awareness in Edo State and the people are determined to protect their democratic rights ahead of the election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
