Concerns Grow Over Arrests of PDP Members Ahead of Edo Guber Election

With just two days remaining before the Edo State governorship election, concerns have been raised about the continued arrest of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Police.

The Edo Collectives, a socio-political group, sounded the alarm on Thursday, calling attention to the detainment of several PDP members.

In a statement signed by the group’s spokesman, Ese Ipboba, the arrested individuals were identified as PDP chieftains Chief Ehikioha Clifford, Friday Adams, and Obehi Stanley. According to the statement, they were apprehended by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on Thursday.

The group expressed concern that the reasons for the arrests were not disclosed. In addition, they claimed that there were reports of PDP-supporting women leaders in Etsako being threatened with abduction.

“Despite assurances that there would be no arrest of politicians before the election on Saturday, yet another group of PDP members have been detained,” the statement read.

The Edo Collectives further highlighted accusations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the ruling party was using federal power to intimidate the opposition in the lead-up to the election.

The group suggested that the recent arrests were indicative of the PDP’s decision to refuse to sign the Peace Accord, describing the detentions as “unnecessary and unwarranted harassment.”

The statement called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to intervene and put an end to the arrests, which the group described as provocative actions just hours before the election.

The situation has sparked further tension in Edo State, with the PDP-led state government accusing the police of targeting and arresting its members, transporting them to Abuja for detention.

Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, confirmed that among those arrested were a local government chairman and operatives of the Edo State Security Network.

This development, according to the PDP, is the primary reason for their refusal to sign the Peace Accord, which aims to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.

The party has reiterated its stance against what it views as intimidation tactics, raising fears that the arrests could escalate tensions as the election day draws near.