The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Nigeria Police of illegally arresting its members ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
At a press conference on Sunday, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, alleged that several PDP members have been arrested, while others are on the wanted list.
Iduoriyekemwen named some of the arrested party chieftains as Mr. Amos Tom and Kingsley Osahon, Councillor representing Ward 10 in Esan North East Local Government Area. He also claimed that the whereabouts of several other PDP members are currently unknown.
The PDP alleged that the police have compiled a list of prominent party chieftains to be arrested, using fake court warrants.
The list includes Chief Odion Olaye, Chief Francis Inegbiniki, Chief B. Olukoga, Mr. Festus Osaigbovo, and Dr. Kelly Inedegbor, among others.
Iduoriyekemwen condemned the alleged police intimidation, stating that the PDP is peacefully campaigning across the state, while the opposition is trying to use the police against the people. He reminded police officers that they are funded by taxpayers and should not be used against the people.
Iduoriyekemwen warned that the resort to harassment and intimidation is a recipe for anarchy.
He, however, called on the Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to step in and stop the harassment and intimidation of members of the party with a view to prevent a descent to anarchy in the state.
He also called on Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), other stakeholders and the international community to turn their attention to Edo State and take note of the alleged disturbing pattern of harassment and intimidation of the party’s members by the Police in the build-up to the Edo State Governorship election.
