The Edo State Government on Tuesday raised concerns that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state was targeting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, alleging that over 10 PDP leaders, including the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Collins Aigbogun, were being held in detention on the orders of the APC.
The Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, disclosed this in Benin on Tuesday while speaking with journalists. He called on security agencies to stop the incessant arrests of PDP leaders and supporters ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.
Nehikhare, however, warned that no amount of intimidation would allow the APC to win the governorship election.
He accused the APC of orchestrating the arrests of some PDP leaders and supporters across the state, stating, “Some of our members have been in detention for the past two months without being charged in court.”
Nehikhare urged the APC and its associates to explain the reasons for the intimidation and arrest of its members.
“Let the APC explain to us where our members and leaders are. Why have they not been charged in court since their arrest? Instead, the APC has been boasting about their plans to attack, intimidate, and harass PDP members and supporters,” Nehikhare demanded.
In a related development, the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Newman Ugiagbe, on Tuesday strongly condemned the assault and arrest of its member, the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, Collins Aigbogun.
Ugiagbe said that the assault and arrest of Aigbogun were clear violations of democratic principles and the rule of law.
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“ALGON urgently calls on the relevant security agencies, including the Attorney General, Commissioner of Police in Edo State, AIG Zone 5, and all concerned authorities, to take immediate action in investigating and bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice.”
“It is disheartening to note that the All Progressives Congress (APC) appears to be resorting to violence and intimidation tactics, including unwarranted attacks on PDP members. Such unprovoked assaults must be addressed swiftly to prevent further harm and ensure a free and fair electoral process,” Ugiagbe said.
He called on all stakeholders, political parties, and security agencies to work together to safeguard the rights and safety of all citizens during the governorship election in Edo.
“We urge the authorities to prioritise the investigation of this assault and hold the culprits accountable for their actions. Violence has no place in our democratic society, and we must all strive to uphold the principles of justice and equality for the benefit of all. We demand the immediate release of Hon. Collins Aigbogun, Chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, who is the complainant but is now being victimized by the police from Force Headquarters in Abuja,” Ugiagbe said.
