The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of voters, including its members and supporters who were ‘illegally arrested’ in the ongoing Edo governorship election.
The ruling party in Edo State, in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that police harassment will not stop the victory of its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
According to the party, the arrest was part of the coordinated plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in connivance with certain compromised police officials to harass, intimidate and suppress Edo people.
The statement reads, “The PDP states that this is part of APC coordinated plot in connivance with certain compromised Police officials to harass, intimidate and suppress the people of Edo State having realized that it has lost the poll.
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“A particular case in point is the Gestapo-style abduction of a voter by APC-controlled gunmen at Uromi Ward 8, Unit 3, while on the queue to cast his vote. This cowardly act further confirms that the APC is panicky and has already given up in the face of imminent defeat at the election.
“Nigerians can recall that our Party had on several occasions alerted of this disturbing scheme by the APC to subvert the electoral process by terrorizing voters upon the realisation that our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is sailing to victory, with the overwhelming support and solidarity of the people of Edo State.
“The APC and their compromised police personnel should know that the game is up and that the people of Edo State will never be cowed to surrender in the face of aggression or terror. They have rejected the APC, and nothing will make them change this resolve.
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“The PDP charges the people of Edo State to remain resilient and continue to defend their democratic rights, votes and ultimate victory at the poll.”