Obaseki threatens peace accord withdrawal, cites police bias

As the September 21st governorship election in Edo State approaches, Governor Godwin Obaseki has expressed concerns about the fairness of the electoral process, stating that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not sign the Peace Accord, an agreement promoted by the National Peace Committee (NPC) to ensure good conduct among political parties.

During a meeting in Benin City with NPC Chairman, former military Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Obaseki alleged that the police, in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been engaging in arbitrary arrests and intimidation of PDP members.

He claimed that these actions are part of a strategy to secure victory for the APC at any cost.

Obaseki voiced his lack of confidence in the police, accusing them of bias and actively creating a destructive environment rather than enforcing the peace accord.

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He cited the arrest of PDP chieftains, including the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Hon. Collins Aigbogun, who was taken to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as evidence of this bias.

Reflecting on the political situation in Edo, Obaseki stated, “Unlike 2020, I am very worried about the developments in the state today. The party met yesterday, and we might not likely sign this agreement.

“This is the first time we are witnessing that the person who is supposed to keep and enforce the peace accord is now an active participant in creating a destructive environment.”

He further added that several PDP members have been detained in Abuja without trial, and the police have issued warrants to arrest 60 PDP supporters, driving party leaders into hiding. Obaseki declared that the PDP would only consider signing the peace accord if those arrested are brought back to Edo and tried locally, asserting, “We have no confidence that the police will protect us in Edo State during the Governorship election.”