Atiku cautions security agencies against undermining PDP in Edo election  

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, has frowned at the arrest of local party leaders in Edo State ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

 

Atiku’s comment was in reaction to a statement by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, raising the alarm of ‘immoral’ collusion of the police and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in securing victory at all costs for the ruling party ahead of the September 21 governorship election.

 

Atiku, in a statement titled; “The time has come for our security agencies to be called to account,” said the arrest and detention of local leaders of the PDP is the scheme of the police to rob the opposition of the essential tools that would allow it to remain a competitive force.

 

The statement reads: “It is a grievous affront to the ideals of peace and harmony when, on the cusp of an off-season election, these agencies arbitrarily detain local leaders of the @OfficialPDPNig, thus robbing the opposition of the essential tools that would allow it to remain a competitive force.

 

“It is incumbent upon the Inspector General of Police and other esteemed heads of security to immediately release all detained members of the PDP or, should there be substantial grounds, to duly present them before the courts.

 

The very essence of tranquillity is imperiled when the state’s federal assets are wielded to harass and intimidate political adversaries.”