Former Vice President President, Atiku Abubakar has called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to immediately release all detained members of the PDP or charge them in court where there are substantial evidence against them.
Atiku made the call in statement on his X handle against the backdrop of claims by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki that police personnel have arrested and detained 10 members of the PDP including a LGA chairman with no sufficient evidence or valid cases against them.
Obaseki also claimed that the police personnel are working for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In reaction to this and the considerable tension it has generated in the state, Atiku said it is “The time has come for our security agencies to be called to account.”
According to him, “It is a grievous affront to the ideals of peace and harmony when, on the cusp of an off-season election, these agencies arbitrarily detain local leaders of the @OfficialPDPNig, thus robbing the opposition of the essential tools that would allow it to remain a competitive force.
“It is incumbent upon the Inspector General of Police and other esteemed heads of security to immediately release all detained members of the PDP or, should there be substantial grounds, to duly present them before the courts.
“The very essence of tranquillity is imperiled when the state’s federal assets are wielded to harass and intimidate political adversaries.”
The Edo State governorship election comes up on September 21st 2024.
Meanwhile, two of the main political parties contesting the polls, the PDP and APC have pulled out from the peace accord for various reasons.
While the PDP claimed the reason for withdrawal was because it the police is working for the APC with arrest of its members, the ruling party at the centre claimed their decision was hinged on the failure to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the murder of Police Inspector Onuh Akor, the orderly attached to their candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.