Following the arrest of voters including its members and supporters in the Edo State off-cycle election, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Saturday, demanded for their immediate and unconditional release.
Spokesman of the party, Debo Ologunagba, who made the demand in a statement, noted harassment by the police will not stop the victory of its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
According to him, the arrest was part of the coordinated plot by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in connivance with certain compromised police officials to harass, intimidate, and suppress Edo people.
“The PDP states that this is part of APC coordinated plot in connivance with certain compromised Police officials to harass, intimidate and suppress the people of Edo State having realized that it has lost the poll,” the statement reads.
“A particular case in point is the Gestapo-style abduction of a voter by APC-controlled gunmen at Uromi Ward 8, Unit 3, while in the queue to cast his vote. This cowardly act further confirms that the APC is panicky and has already given up in the face of imminent defeat at the election.
“Nigerians can recall that our Party had on several occasions alerted of this disturbing scheme by the APC to subvert the electoral process by terrorizing voters upon the realisation that our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, is sailing to victory, with the overwhelming support and solidarity of the people of Edo State.
“The APC and their compromised police personnel should know that the game is up and that the people of Edo State will never be cowed to surrender in the face of aggression or terror. They have rejected the APC, and nothing will make them change this resolve.
“The PDP charges the people of Edo State to remain resilient and continue to defend their democratic rights, votes, and ultimate victory at the poll.”
