From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to stop the alleged harassment of its members and innocent citizens in Edo State by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, while speaking at a press briefing, on Monday, said the APC has allegedly been arresting leaders and supporters of the opposition party.
Ologunagba, who accused the APC of allegedly working in connivance with some security operatives, stated that the aim of the ruling party is to scare the people ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial poll.
According to him, “the PDP again calls on the Inspector General of Police to wade in and halt the activities of the APC, which is now pitching the people of Edo State against the police. The IGP should ensure the immediate and unconditional release of every Edo citizen being detained by the APC.
“The IGP owes a duty to the people of Edo State and the nation, in the perseveration of peace and sustenance of democracy, to address this issue before it escalates. This is the only way to douse the tension in Edo State and reassure the people of a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.”
He added that “the people of Edo State have had enough from the APC and will use every legitimate means allowed in a democracy to defend themselves by directly and physically confronting and resisting the APC in its desperate plot to derail the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
“The PDP, as a law-abiding and applying party that stands for the interest of the people, will not fold its hands and watch the APC harass the people of Edo State.
“Our Party will, within the ambit of the law, stop at nothing in contending with the APC, head-to-head in all ramifications, magnitudes, and force where necessary to protect our democracy and ensure that the will of the people of Edo State is not subverted in this election.
“The PDP is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Edo State in their resolve to protect their state and democracy, and anybody, no matter how highly placed, who in any way attempts to subvert the will of the people of Edo State in this election will definitely face the consequences.”
