Edo State PDP Accuses Police of bias ahead of Governorship Elections

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state police command of displaying a bias towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the September 21 governorship elections. The state PDP chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, made this statement during a press conference in Benin City, where he expressed concern over the perceived bias that could rob the election of a level playing field.

According to Aziegbemi, the PDP has witnessed instances where the police acted in favor of the APC, disregarding complaints made by other parties. He cited an example where the Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins, was arrested and granted bail after meeting the necessary bail conditions.

Meanwhile, Aziegbemi disclosed that he had written a petition to the police, citing a video evidence of the State APC chairman threatening to mobilise and lead youths to stone Governor, Godwin Obaseki, following which no action has been taken, unlike the swift response to the petition against Martins.

The PDP chairman went on to state that the police have deployed a tactical team of policemen to arrest and harass at least 22 members and leaders of the PDP who are currently under surveillance.

Reacting to the PDP’s allegations, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, said the cases have been transferred to Abuja, adding that any comments or observations should be directed to Abuja.

The Edo State gubernatorial election is scheduled to hold in September, and the PDP is not the only party expressing concerns over alleged police bias. The development has sparked doubts about the fairness of the election, especially with the election barely two months away.