The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the national peace accord for the September 21 governorship election in the state.
The party’s chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, declined to sign the peace accord, citing the arrest of 10 PDP members by the police.
“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,” Aziegbemi said.
The Secretary to the Edo State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, represented Governor Godwin Obaseki at the event and assured the commitment of the state government to the safety of all stakeholders in the election.
The National Peace Committee, led by Bishop Matthew Kukah, charged the candidates to see peace as a foundation for a credible election.
“We should be thankful for our country because some other African countries are in crisis because of unresolved political issues. I am happy that Nigerians have confidence in the electoral process. The worst election is remedied by another election,” Kukah said.
The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, assured that INEC would continue to play its part in line with the electoral laws.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, noted that the police would remain impartial and professional during the election.
The signing of the peace accord is coming barely nine days before the governorship election in the state.
The Edo State government has expressed concern over the continuous detention of PDP members in Abuja.
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Recall that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, during the stakeholders meeting, said he was not aware
that PDP members were arrested in the state. “However, I am aware that individuals who committed crimes and political violence in the state have been arrested,” Egbetokun said.
