The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has warned the All Progressives Congress, APC, to be ready to face the full impact of the wrath of the people of Edo State if it continues in its violent attacks and harassment of innocent citizens of the state.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba in a statement on Monday, said: “This warning is on the backdrop of continuing attacks, harassment and illegal arrest of innocent citizens of Edo State by APC leaders in connivance with certain compromised police operatives, as part of APC’s desperate bid to scare the people from coming out to vote and seize the opportunity to rig the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
“Since it became clear that the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo is coasting to a landslide victory with the overwhelming support of over 68 percent of the expected votes, the APC and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo have been desperate to use violence and harassment to break the Will of the people of Edo State.
“It will be recalled that the PDP on September 2, 2024, alerted on how the APC in connivance with certain compromised security operatives have been harassing, arresting and detaining innocent citizens of Edo State, notable among whom are Mr. Kingsley Osahon, who was arrested in Uromi, Mr. Odion Bright and Mr. Timothy Isibor who were arrested in Igueben.
“On August 28, 2024, an attempt was made by the said APC-controlled operatives to arrest Chief Francis Inegbeniki, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.
“Also last week, September 4, 2024, the APC’s agent stormed the house of one Shina, who decamped from the APC to the PDP three weeks ago and forcefully took him away while shooting sporadically to scare the people.
“On September 3, 2024, an attempt was made to pick Mr. Joel Aidamebor which was firmly resisted by the people.
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“There are reports in the public domain that the APC has established a torture squad which has been picking innocent Edo citizens and taking them to unknown destinations.
“Only on Sunday, September 8, 2024, thugs and hoodlums recruited by APC leaders attacked PDP rally in Edo North and destroyed campaign materials in an assault that was decisively resisted by our courageous members and supporters in Edo North, where our candidate, Dr. Ighodalo commands overwhelming support and solidarity.
“This resort to harassment and violence only shows that the APC and its irredeemably empty and confused candidate are cowards who are intimidated and terrified by the soaring popularity of Dr. Asue Ighodalo across Edo State.
“The recent public comment by the APC candidate, that he will provide the people of Edo State “with insecurity,” is not a slip but a subconscious confession triggered by preponderance of APC meetings and discussion on schemes to visit the people of Edo State with violence before and during the election.
“What else do you expect from a candidate whose godfather is the lying, oppressive, widow-suppressing, go-and-die Adams Oshiomhole?
“Moreover, the PDP already has information of how the APC and its candidate are importing thugs from Imo State, some of who curiously appear in the INEC list to serve as SPOs for the election.
“These APC thugs from Imo State should know that the people of Edo are already aware of their sinister plan and it will be in their interest to steer clear of Edo State.
“The APC must note that nobody has the monopoly of violence and that nobody is above the law.
“APC and its candidate are practically pushing the people of Edo State to the wall, they should know that there is a limit to what a people can stomach in the face of aggression and be ready the face the consequences if they fails to desist from these dastardly acts.
“The people of Edo State have had enough from the APC and will use every legitimate means allowed in a democracy to defend themselves by directly and physically confronting and resisting the APC in its desperate plot to derail the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State.
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“The PDP as a law-abiding and applying party that stands for the interest of the people will not fold its hands and watch the APC harass the peope of Edo State.
“Our party will within the ambit of the law stop at nothing in contending with the APC, head-to-head in all ramifications, magnitude and force where necessary to protect our democracy and ensure that the Will of the people of Edo State is not subverted in this election.
“The PDP is standing shoulder-to shoulder with the people of Edo State in their resolve to protect their state and democracy and anybody no matter how highly place who in any way attempt to subvert the Will of the people of Edo State in this election will definitely face the consequences.
“The PDP again calls on the Inspector General of Police to wade in and halt the activities of the APC which is now pitching the people of Edo State against the Police.
“The IGP should ensure the immediate and unconditional release of every Edo citizen being detained by the APC.
“The IGP owes a duty to the people of Edo State and the Nation, in the perseveration of peace and sustenance of democracy, to address this issue before it escalates.
“This is the only way to douse the tension in Edo State and reassure the people of a free, fair, transparent and credible election.
“Our party salutes the people of Edo State for their courage, determination and urges them to remain vigilant in their readiness to protect democracy, their votes and the firm desire and expression to elect Dr. Ighodalo as the next governor of Edo State in the September 21, 2024 governorship election,” the statement added.
