Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
Ahead of the upcoming September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged attacks on citizens. In a statement released on September 9, 2024, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, cautioned the APC to desist from acts of violence and harassment aimed at intimidating voters.
In a strong worded press statement made available to Truth Live News, PDP claims that since its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is projected to secure over 68% of the vote, the APC has resorted to desperate measures to disrupt the election process. According to the PDP, these tactics include the harassment, arrest, and detention of innocent citizens, allegedly in collaboration with compromised police operatives.
He said “Since it became clear that the PDP Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo is coasting to a landslide victory with the overwhelming support of over 68% of the expected votes, the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo have been desperate to use violence and harassment to break the Will of the people of Edo State”
Notable incidents highlighted by the PDP include the recent arrests of Kingsley Osahon, Odion Bright, and Timothy Isibor in various towns, as well as attempts to detain individuals who have defected from the APC to the PDP. The statement also described a September 8 attack on a PDP rally in Edo North, which was allegedly carried out by APC thugs.
The PDP further alleged that the APC is importing thugs from Imo State to influence the election, some of whom have reportedly been listed as officials for the polls. The party has called on the Inspector General of Police to intervene, urging him to release all citizens detained under what they describe as politically motivated charges.
As tensions rise, the PDP has vowed to stand by the people of Edo State, emphasizing that they will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the democratic process. The party also affirmed that it will use all legal means necessary to protect the will of the people and ensure a free and fair election.
He said sternly, “There are reports in the public domain that the APC has established a torture squad which has been picking innocent Edo citizens and taking them to unknown destinations.
Only yesterday, Sunday, September 8, 2024, thugs and hoodlums recruited by APC leaders attacked PDP rally in Edo North and destroyed campaign materials in an assault that was decisively resisted by our courageous members and supporters in Edo North, where our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo commands overwhelming support and solidarity.
This resort to harassment and violence only shows that the APC and its irredeemably empty and confused candidate are cowards who are intimidated and terrified by the soaring popularity of Dr. Asue Ighodalo across Edo State”
The PDP’s warning comes amidst growing concerns over potential violence in the lead-up to the election, as both parties continue to accuse each other of undermining the electoral process.