Edo State Government raises alarm over the arrest of PDP leaders, alleging APC involvement. Security agencies are urged to intervene ahead of the governorship election.
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n Tuesday, the Edo State Government raised concerns about the arrest of several leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the arrests.
Chris Nehikhare, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, claimed that over 10 PDP leaders, including Collins Aigbogun, Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, were being detained on APC’s orders.
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Nehikhare called on security agencies to intervene and stop the arrests, stressing that such actions are aimed at intimidating PDP members ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
He accused the APC of attempting to win the election through intimidation rather than democratic means.
He also demanded an explanation from the APC regarding the whereabouts of the detained PDP members and criticized the lack of formal charges against them.
Nehikhare argued that no amount of intimidation would deter the PDP from participating in the election.
In response, Kazeem Afegbua, Media Director of the Edo APC Campaign Council, dismissed the PDP’s claims, accusing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP of planning to destabilize the state.
Afegbua alleged that Obaseki’s administration is preparing for mass protests to disrupt the country and provoke a military takeover.
Afegbua also accused ACP Sanni Fodio of shielding PDP members involved in criminal activities while alleging that APC members were unfairly detained.
He claimed that Obaseki’s plans include postponing school resumption dates to facilitate nationwide protests.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
