The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has explained its refusal to sign the National Peace Accord for the upcoming September 21 governorship election, citing concerns of bias by the police.
Despite being present at the event, PDP State Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and the party’s candidate Asue Ighodalo chose not to sign the accord, alongside representatives from 17 other political parties.
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Earlier, Governor Godwin Obaseki had hinted at the possibility of the PDP pulling out of the peace agreement.
He accused the police of working in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), pointing to the recent arrest of 10 PDP leaders who were seen as key figures ahead of the election.
According to Obaseki, this demonstrated that the police, under APC influence, were biased from the outset, making it impossible for the PDP to sign an agreement overseen by a partial umpire.
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Aziegbemi echoed this sentiment, questioning the validity of signing a peace accord while several PDP members remained in detention without trial.
He further criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP), accusing him of unprecedented bias and demanding the withdrawal of external police forces currently operating in Edo State.
Meanwhile, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Chairman of the Peace Accord Committee, emphasized that the purpose of the peace accord was to ensure a peaceful, hate-free, and violence-free election, where candidates respect the outcome as long as it is deemed fair and credible.
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He urged all parties to prioritize the interest of Edo State’s people above individual ambitions, stressing that peace is crucial for the state’s progress.
In response to the PDP’s concerns, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reassured all stakeholders that the police would remain impartial, professional, and committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties.
He called on all parties to embrace peace and respect the democratic process, ensuring a credible and fair election where voters can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.
