The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of voters, including its members and supporters, who were allegedly arrested during the ongoing Edo governorship election. In a statement released on Saturday by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party condemned the arrests, claiming they were part of a plot orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in collaboration with certain compromised police officials. The aim, according to the PDP, was to harass, intimidate, and suppress the will of the people of Edo State.
The PDP emphasized that the arrest of its supporters and other voters was a desperate attempt by the APC to interfere with the election, as the APC had realized that its chances of winning the poll were slim. The statement pointed to an incident where a voter in Uromi Ward 8, Unit 3, was allegedly abducted by APC-controlled gunmen while standing in line to cast their vote. The PDP described this action as cowardly and as evidence of the APC’s fear of imminent defeat.
“Nigerians can recall that our party has raised concerns several times about this troubling scheme by the APC to undermine the electoral process through acts of terror and intimidation against voters,” Ologunagba said. “This latest act only confirms the APC’s panic as it faces certain defeat at the hands of the people of Edo State, who have shown overwhelming support for our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.”
The PDP insisted that the people of Edo State are resolute in their decision to reject the APC and will not be swayed by attempts to disrupt the election. Ologunagba urged the people of Edo to stand firm and continue to defend their democratic rights, their votes, and the ultimate victory at the polls.
The statement concluded with a strong message to the APC and any compromised officials within the police force, warning that their attempts to manipulate the election will not succeed. “The people of Edo State have made their choice, and no amount of intimidation or harassment will make them surrender their resolve,” Ologunagba declared.
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and credible election, encouraging voters to remain vigilant and focused on protecting their votes.
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