Wed Sep 11 23:20:33 UTC 2024: ## Edo PDP May Boycott Peace Accord Over Police Bias Claims

**Benin City, Edo State** – The Edo State Governor and PDP leader, Godwin Obaseki, has threatened to boycott the signing of a peace accord ahead of the September 21 governorship election, citing alleged bias and harassment of PDP members by the Nigeria Police.

Obaseki, during a meeting with the National Peace Committee Chairman, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, expressed deep concern over the actions of the police, accusing them of acting in the interest of the ruling APC. He pointed to the arrest of at least 10 PDP leaders, including the Esan West Local Government Chairman, Collins Aigbogun, who was taken to Abuja for questioning.

Obaseki asserted that despite his requests to the Edo State Commissioner of Police to handle the case within the state’s jurisdiction and two petitions to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the harassment of party leaders, no action has been taken.

He questioned the credibility of the peace accord when the body tasked with enforcing it demonstrates such clear bias. “How can we sign a peace accord when the entity supposed to maintain it is actively creating a destructive environment?” he questioned.

The Edo PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, echoed Obaseki’s concerns, accusing the IGP of bias and alleging that the police have been targeting PDP members since the 27th of July. He further claimed that INEC officials in Edo are close allies of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, raising concerns about the integrity of the election.

The APC, however, dismissed the allegations, with party spokesman Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie stating that the police are simply carrying out their duties and that the PDP should abstain from criminal activity.

The standoff raises serious concerns about the potential for a volatile election in Edo State, with both parties accusing each other of unfair practices and the police caught in the middle. The situation highlights the need for immediate action to de-escalate tensions and ensure a free and fair election.

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