The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of voters, including its members, who were reportedly arrested during the ongoing Edo governorship election.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 21, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the arrests, stating that police harassment would not prevent their governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, from securing victory.
The party alleged that these arrests were part of a coordinated effort by the All Progressives Congress (APC), working with certain compromised police officers, to intimidate and suppress the people of Edo State.
According to the PDP, these actions reflect the APC’s fear of losing the election.
The statement read, “The PDP asserts that this is part of an APC-coordinated scheme, in collusion with compromised police officials, to harass, intimidate, and suppress the people of Edo State after realizing they have lost the election.
“One notable incident is the Gestapo-style abduction of a voter by APC-backed gunmen at Uromi Ward 8, Unit 3, while waiting in line to cast his vote. This cowardly act further confirms the APC’s panic, signaling that they have already conceded defeat in the face of imminent loss.
“Nigerians may recall that our party has repeatedly warned of this troubling plot by the APC to undermine the electoral process through voter intimidation, recognizing that our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is on the path to victory with overwhelming support from the people of Edo State.
“The APC and their compromised police collaborators should understand that their tactics have failed. The people of Edo State will not be bullied into submission. They have rejected the APC, and nothing will change that.
“The PDP urges the people of Edo State to remain steadfast in defending their democratic rights, their votes, and the ultimate victory at the polls.”
