Edo Decides: PDP Alleges Voter Suppression, Demands Release Of Arrested Voters
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded for the unconditional release of voters, including PDP members and supporters who were arrested by security operatives in the ongoing governorship election in Edo State.
PDP, in a statement on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, alleged that the voters were arrested illegally by the security operatives while peacefully queuing to vote for their choice candidates.
The party claimed that it was part of an APC coordinated plot in connivance with certain compromised police officials to harass, intimidate, and suppress the people of Edo State, having realised that it had lost the poll.
It said, “a particular case in point is the Gestapo-style abduction of a voter by APC-controlled gunmen at Uromi Ward 8, Unit 3, while on 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 it had on several occasions alerted of this disturbing scheme by the APC to subvert the electoral process by terrorising voters upon 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,” it said.
The party charged the people of Edo State to remain resilient and continue to defend their democratic rights, votes, and ultimate victory at the polls.