A few hours after refusing to sign the peace accord for the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has outlined new conditions for its endorsement.
The PDP is now demanding the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Onuoha Anugbum, and the Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, as prerequisites for signing the accord.
The National Peace Accord Committee, chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), a former Head of State of Nigeria, is overseeing the peace process.
On Thursday, Tony Aziegbemi, the state chairman of the PDP, along with gubernatorial candidate Barrister Asue Ighodalo, refused to sign the accord. Aziegbemi cited the recent arrest of several party leaders by the police, who were reportedly taken to Abuja, as the reason for their refusal.
At a press conference in Benin City, Aziegbemi expanded the party’s demands to include the redeployment of both the REC and the Commissioner of Police. He accused the REC of being a known ally of Hon. Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and claimed the REC previously served as a commissioner under Wike’s administration in Rivers State.
The PDP also called for the immediate release of all individuals currently held in unlawful custody. They argued that anyone accused of crimes should be promptly brought before a court in accordance with legal procedures. Additionally, the party demanded the redeployment of the current Commissioner of Police and REC to ensure impartiality and fairness in the electoral process.
Aziegbemi further called for the removal of any external police teams or squads operating in Edo State that are allegedly involved in arresting political opponents and creating tension. He urged the Nigeria Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field in the election, free from the influence of any political party.
Despite these conditions, Aziegbemi expressed confidence in the Edo people’s commitment to a democratic process and stated that the PDP is ready to sign the Peace Accord once their conditions are met. He emphasized that the current situation undermines the basis for peace and a fair election in the state.