The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it pulled out of the National Peace Accord for the September 21 governorship election because of alleged bias by the police.
State chairmen and candidates of 17 participating political parties signed the peace accord while chairman of the PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, although present, declined to sign.
It will be recalled that on Wednesday, Governor Godwin Obaseki, had said the PDP may not sign the Peace Accord, saying the police through their actions, are acting in the interest of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and waging war against the PDP.
He said the Police, “under the manipulation of the APC”, arrested not less than 10 PDP chieftains whom they perceived would be strong opposition to them in the coming election.
He, therefore, queried how one enters a peace accord with an umpire who, from the onset, has shown bias in favor of one of the parties in the election.
Azeigbemi queried the usefulness of the peace accord when 10 PDP members had been arrested and detained in Abuja without trial.
“We are more than ready for this election… But the police IG is the most biased in the annals of this country.”
“We will not allow a biased IGP who is not from Edo State to determine the outcome of this election. We demand the immediate recall of any external policemen currently marauding the state,” he said.
The Peace Accord Committee Chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said “the signing of this Peace Accord signifies your readiness to place the interest of the people which you want to serve above individual or party ambitions.
“It is a commitment to conduct campaigns free of hate speech, incitement, and violence, and to accept the outcome of the votes as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair and credible.
“Elections are a pillar of democracy, and in democracy, there are no losers; only participants who play their part in advancing the will of the people they represent and serve,” he added.
He, however, appealed to the candidates, parties and their supporters to remember that peace is the foundation upon which progress and development is built and established, adding “without it, none of the promises made to the people of Edo state can be fulfilled”.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the police would remain impartial, professional and vigilant while providing a level playing ground for political parties and their candidates.
He urged stakeholders in the election to embrace peace, tolerance and respect for the democratic process and work together to create a conducive environment for credible, fair and peaceful election where every voter can exercise their rights to vote without fear and intimidation. (Daily Trust)
