Edo State Governor Accuses Police of Colluding with APC to Intimidate PDP Members

Edo State is in the grip of political tension as Governor Godwin Obaseki has raised alarm over what he describes as a concerning alliance between the Nigeria Police Force and the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With less than two weeks to the governorship election, Obaseki accuses the police of collaborating with the APC to unlawfully arrest and intimidate members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he leads in the state.

The political climate in Edo State has grown increasingly charged, with various parties pulling out all the stops to secure a win in the forthcoming election.

Reports of violence and intimidation have marred the pre-election period, raising concerns about the fairness and safety of the electoral process.

Governor Obaseki has been vocal about these issues, particularly on social media, where he has called attention to the alleged misconduct by the police.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday night, Obaseki expressed his dismay at the actions of the police, accusing them of bias and misconduct in their treatment of PDP members.

“It is unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force to connive with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to illegally arrest and detain members of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and to stir up crisis in Edo State in the lead-up to the guber poll,” he wrote.

Obaseki’s statement highlights the growing concerns within the PDP regarding the neutrality and role of security agencies in the electoral process.

The governor also revealed that he has credible information suggesting a coordinated effort to arrest key PDP figures in a bid to weaken the party’s position ahead of the election.

“I have it on good authority that the plan is to arrest as many PDP stalwarts as possible. This is a very dangerous trend and poses a real threat to our democracy,” Obaseki warned.

His comments underscore the potential impact of these alleged actions on the democratic process, suggesting that such interference could undermine the integrity of the upcoming election.

A specific incident that Obaseki pointed out involves the arrest of the sitting local government chairman of Esan West, who was allegedly taken to Abuja without due process.

This, according to Obaseki, directly undermines his authority as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State.

“A situation where the sitting local government chairman of Esan West is arrested and whisked away to Abuja, undermining my authority as the Chief Security Officer of the State is totally unacceptable,” Obaseki stated, reflecting his frustration with what he perceives as a disregard for the rule of law and local governance.

Obaseki’s concerns are not limited to the immediate impact on his party but extend to the broader implications for democratic governance in Nigeria.

The governor stressed that the actions of the police could set a dangerous precedent, where security agencies are seen as tools for political manipulation rather than impartial protectors of the law.

His appeal to the PDP supporters was clear: remain calm and refrain from violence, despite the provocations. “I strongly appeal to the supporters of the PDP to remain calm and peaceful.

The Inspector General of Police is expected in the state tomorrow, and I will make my feelings known to him,” Obaseki added.

His message was one of restraint, urging his supporters to rely on dialogue and legal channels rather than retaliate in kind.

Governor Obaseki also issued a stern warning to the police and other security agencies, emphasising that their actions could have far-reaching consequences for democracy in Nigeria.

He reiterated his commitment to addressing these concerns directly with the Inspector General of Police, who is expected to visit Edo State imminently.

“It is in no one’s interest, especially the Police, to undermine our democracy,” he cautioned, suggesting that any further erosion of trust in the electoral process could have destabilising effects not just for Edo State, but for the nation as a whole.

As the governorship election draws near, the eyes of the nation will be on Edo State, observing how these tensions unfold and whether the allegations of police collusion will be addressed.

The situation serves as a critical reminder of the need for impartiality and integrity in the conduct of elections, particularly by those tasked with maintaining law and order.

The outcome of Obaseki’s planned meeting with the Inspector General of Police could prove pivotal in shaping the final stages of this high-stakes electoral contest.