As the Edo State governorship election draws near, tensions are escalating between political parties, with growing concerns over fairness and security. Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has recently raised alarm over alleged acts of intimidation and illegal arrests targeting PDP members. According to Obaseki, the Nigeria Police Force is actively collaborating with the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to undermine the ruling PDP.
Obaseki’s allegations come at a critical time, less than two weeks before the much-anticipated governorship election. With reports of political violence and unrest circulating across the state, the governor’s claims have added to the charged atmosphere.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday night, Governor Obaseki voiced his concerns, accusing the police of being biased in their actions. He alleged that the police have been illegally arresting and detaining key PDP figures in a bid to weaken his party ahead of the election.
In his statement, Obaseki stated, “It is unbecoming of officers of the Nigeria Police Force to connive with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to illegally arrest and detain members of our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and to stir up crisis in Edo State in the lead-up to the guber poll.”
The governor claimed to have credible information indicating that the arrests were a deliberate strategy by the APC to destabilize the PDP’s efforts in the upcoming elections. He expressed concern that such actions pose a real threat to the state’s democracy and to Nigeria’s democratic system as a whole.
One particular incident that sparked outrage from Governor Obaseki was the recent arrest of the Esan West Local Government Chairman, a prominent PDP member. According to the governor, the chairman was abruptly taken to Abuja without due process or notification, which Obaseki condemned as an overreach by the police. He remarked that this undermines his authority as the Chief Security Officer of Edo State.
Obaseki said, “A situation where the sitting local government chairman of Esan West is arrested and whisked away to Abuja, undermining my authority as the Chief Security Officer of the State, is totally unacceptable.”
The governor expressed his disappointment that despite being in power, his party is being treated unfairly by law enforcement. This situation, he believes, is a calculated move by the APC to weaken PDP’s political stronghold.
Despite the rising tension, Governor Obaseki urged his supporters and the PDP members to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, especially as the election day approaches. Obaseki assured his supporters that he would personally address these concerns when the Inspector General of Police visits Edo State in the coming days. He also promised to raise the issue with the appropriate authorities, stressing that democracy must be upheld at all costs.
“I strongly appeal to the supporters of the PDP to remain calm and peaceful,” Obaseki said. He reassured them that, “The Inspector General of Police is expected in the state tomorrow, and I will make my feelings known to him. It is in no one’s interest, especially the Police, to undermine our democracy.”
This is not the first time that the political environment in Edo has been marred by allegations of foul play. Historically, elections in Edo State have often been characterized by intense competition, especially between the PDP and APC. Reports of violence, vote-buying, and intimidation have been recurring issues in Nigerian elections, and the 2024 governorship race in Edo appears to be no different.
The governor’s recent accusations reflect the deep-seated distrust between the major political parties in the state. Many observers fear that if the allegations are not addressed, the situation may escalate, potentially leading to widespread violence or chaos on election day.
Governor Obaseki’s concerns bring to light the crucial role that law enforcement agencies play in ensuring the integrity of elections. The involvement of the police in a biased manner could erode public trust in the democratic process, not just in Edo, but across Nigeria. The governor’s warning against police complicity is a call for transparency and fairness in the conduct of the upcoming elections.
If the alleged intimidation tactics continue, it could have a lasting impact on the election’s outcome and on the perception of democracy in Edo State. With both parties vying for control, the stakes are high, and the actions of security agencies could very well tip the scales.
As Edo State braces for its governorship election, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s accusations against the police and the APC have only added to the already volatile political climate. The governor’s appeal for peace and his plans to confront the Inspector General of Police show his commitment to ensuring that the elections are free and fair. However, the allegations of police collaboration with opposition parties raise serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
The coming days will be crucial as the Inspector General visits the state and dialogues continue. Ultimately, the hope is that all parties involved will work together to preserve the peace and ensure that the will of the people is respected on election day.
