Two days before the Edo State governorship election, concerns have emerged regarding the ongoing arrests of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the police.
A socio-political organization known as the Edo Collectives raised alarm on Thursday, highlighting the detention of several PDP members.
In a statement issued by the group’s spokesperson, Ese Ipboba, the arrested PDP leaders were identified as Chief Ehikioha Clifford, Friday Adams, and Obehi Stanley.
According to the statement, the trio was taken into custody by the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on Thursday.
The Edo Collectives further claimed that the reason for the arrests was not made clear and expressed concern over reports that women leaders in Etsako, who support the PDP, are being threatened with possible abduction.
“Despite the assurance that there will be no arrest of politicians on or before the election on Saturday, another set of PDP members have been arrested.
“It will be recalled that the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been accused of using federal might to harass and intimidate the opposition in the state.”
“The position of PDP not to sign the peace accord is being manifested by the unnecessary and unwarranted indiscriminate arrest of its chieftains,” the statement said.
The group appealed to the IGP “to halt the provoking arrests a few hours before the election”.
The PDP-led Edo State government had accused the Police of arresting members of the party and detaining them in Abuja.
The Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare said the arrested PDP members include a local government chairman and operatives of the Edo State Security Network.
The development is the reason given by the PDP for refusing to sign the Peace Accord.
