PDP accuses police of harassment, intimidation ahead of Edo election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State has accused the police of harassment and intimidation of its members.

Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Committee, made the allegations during a press briefing in Benin City. He claimed that certain police operatives, in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC), are using dubious tactics to disrupt and create chaos in the state.

Iduoriyekemwen alleged that the state APC Chairman, Mr. Jarret Tenebe, orchestrated a fabricated petition leading to the arrest of the Chairman of Esan North East Council, Hon. Kelly Ilenedagbor. He also criticised the police for perceived bias in their handling of the Benin Airport shooting on July 18, which resulted in the death of a police orderly.

The PDP claimed that some individuals involved in the violence are still at large, while the APC reportedly boasts of receiving support from President Bola Tinubu to secure victory in the state, disregarding the will of the Edo electorate.

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Iduoriyekemwen appealed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to uphold the integrity of his office and to ensure that the police serve all Nigerians impartially, rather than acting as an extension of the APC.

In response, Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye denied the allegations, stating that the case has been transferred to Abuja and that any comments or concerns should be directed to the Force Headquarters.

Comrade Orobosa Omo-Ojo, Director of Publicity for the APC Media Campaign Council, rejected the PDP’s claims, labeling them as attempts to harass the police and obstruct the investigation into violent incidents in the state. Omo-Ojo criticised the PDP for allegedly dragging innocent individuals into their accusations.

He also called on the National Security Adviser to take action against the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), which he referred to as Governor Godwin Obaseki’s private police force.