Ahead of the highly anticipated September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has assured Nigerians that the police will remain impartial and professional throughout the electoral process. The IGP emphasized that the force will provide a level playing field for all political parties, ensuring a peaceful and transparent election.
Egbetokun made this statement in Benin City during the signing of a peace accord by the major political parties participating in the election. The peace accord, initiated by the National Peace Committee led by former military head of state, Abdulsalami Abubakar, aims to prevent violence and ensure a smooth electoral process. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate refused to sign the peace agreement, citing concerns over the role of security forces.
Candidates like Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), alongside other parties, have committed to the peace deal. The IGP reiterated that all security personnel would remain neutral, encouraging stakeholders to foster an environment where voters can cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.
Read also: Breaking: APC, PDP reject Edo election peace accord, tensions heightened
Despite assurances from the IGP, tensions have escalated between the PDP and the police. Governor Godwin Obaseki has accused the police of unlawfully detaining PDP supporters in a bid to sway the election in favor of the APC. The governor claimed that 10 PDP members were arrested without evidence, raising questions about the impartiality of law enforcement ahead of the polls. This controversy prompted the PDP to withdraw from signing the peace accord.
“We will not sign a peace accord when the police are already showing bias towards one party,” Obaseki stated during a meeting with Abdulsalami Abubakar, calling for immediate action to address the arrests of PDP supporters.
