The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of voters, including its members who were reportedly arrested during the ongoing Edo governorship election.
In a statement on Saturday, September 21, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the police harassment will not hinder the victory of its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
The party alleged that the arrests were part of a coordinated effort by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in collaboration with certain compromised police officials, to intimidate and suppress the people of Edo State.
The PDP emphasized that these actions are indicative of the APC’s panic and acknowledgment of its potential defeat in the election.
The statement reads, “The PDP states that this is part of APC coordinated plot in connivance with certain compromised Police officials to harass, intimidate and suppress the people of Edo State having realized that it has lost the poll.
“A particular case in point is the Gestapo-style abduction of a voter by APC-controlled gunmen at Uromi Ward 8, Unit 3, while in the queue to cast his vote. This cowardly act further confirms that the APC is panicky and has already given up in the face of imminent defeat at the election.
“Nigerians can recall that our Party had on several occasions alerted of this disturbing scheme by the APC to subvert the electoral process by terrorizing voters upon the realization that our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is sailing to victory, with the overwhelming support and solidarity of the people of Edo State.
“The APC and their compromised police personnel should know that the game is up and that the people of Edo State will never be cowed to surrender in the face of aggression or terror. They have rejected the APC, and nothing will make them change this resolve.
“The PDP charges the people of Edo State to remain resilient and continue to defend their democratic rights, votes, and ultimate victory at the poll.”