As the Edo governorship election approaches, Governor Obaseki and the PDP clash with the IGP over alleged police bias, heightening political tension..mynewslive
Edo Gubernatorial Election: Rising Tensions as IGP, Obaseki, and PDP Clash Over Alleged Police Bias
With the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, political tensions have escalated as Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accuse the police of bias. Governor Obaseki and PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi criticized the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, claiming that the police have shown favoritism toward the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The allegations come amidst the IGP’s announcement that 35,000 police officers, supported by 8,000 personnel from other security agencies, will be deployed across the state to ensure a secure election process. In addition, the IGP stated that VIP security aides would be withdrawn and movements restricted between 6 am and 6 pm on election day.
The IGP’s remarks were made at an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders meeting in Benin City, where representatives from various political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders gathered ahead of the election. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, assured the public of a credible election, noting that 11 of the 13 planned activities had already been implemented, with only two tasks remaining before the election.
Obaseki’s Concerns Over Police Actions
Governor Obaseki expressed his concerns during a meeting with General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the chairman of the National Peace Committee. Obaseki indicated that the PDP might not sign the Peace Accord due to what he described as the police’s biased conduct. He cited the recent arrests of PDP members, including the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, and criticized the police for allegedly operating under the influence of the APC.
Obaseki stated that if the arrests were legally warranted, they should be handled within the state’s jurisdiction, not by transferring the accused to Abuja. He called for the immediate release of the detained PDP members.
PDP’s Allegations of Bias
PDP Chairman Aziegbemi raised concerns over the deployment of officials with close ties to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, an individual known to have political differences with Governor Obaseki. Aziegbemi argued that the involvement of individuals like Anugbum Onuoha, the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), and CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, the Edo Commissioner of Police, could compromise the election.
IGP’s Response
The IGP refuted the allegations of bias, explaining that the police were focused on ensuring justice, particularly in investigating the killing of a police officer. Egbetokun dismissed claims of partisanship, stating that the police’s primary objective is to maintain peace and security during the election.
Call for REC’s Redeployment
In a related development, the Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Justice in Africa has called for the immediate redeployment of Edo REC Anugbum Onuoha. The group expressed concerns about Onuoha’s past association with Wike, fearing potential bias in the upcoming election.
As tensions continue to mount, all eyes remain on Edo State ahead of what promises to be a contentious gubernatorial election.
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