Ighodalo demands release of party members before signing peace accord

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the upcoming Edo State election on September 21, has made a firm commitment to sign the peace accord with other political parties once specific conditions are met by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force.

Ighodalo’s remarks came during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Monday.

Ighodalo expressed his party’s reluctance to sign the peace accord, citing unresolved grievances related to the detention of PDP members.

He lamented that several party members have been arrested and held without formal charges or court proceedings. “We had several conditions, most of which have now been met, with one remaining. Many of our guys have been held unjustly,” Ighodalo stated.

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He emphasized that his party expects either formal charges to be brought against those detained or their immediate release on bail. “Once that is achieved, we will sign the peace accord,” he added.

The governorship candidate outlined that the primary reason for the PDP’s initial refusal to sign the peace accord was the lack of a level playing field, which he believes is crucial for a fair electoral process.

Despite this, he acknowledged that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has now assured the PDP of neutrality.

Ighodalo reassured that his campaign remains committed to a non-violent approach, which will continue to guide their activities.

The peace accord, signed by all other participating political parties on Thursday, was intended to promote a violence-free electoral environment. However, the PDP’s absence from the signing ceremony highlighted ongoing tensions.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar, head of the Peace Committee overseeing the accord, had previously stated that outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, a PDP stalwart, had refused to sign due to allegations against the police.

The situation escalated when PDP Chairman in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, stormed out of the peace pact venue in protest.

Aziegbemi voiced concerns over the continued detention of Collins Aigbogu, the Esan West Local Government Area Chairman, who was apprehended by the police days prior and had yet to be released.

This incident has further fueled the PDP’s demands for action before they agree to the peace accord.