Edo 2024: PDP Declines to Sign Peace Accord, Citing Concerns Over Bias and Unlawful Arrests
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By Joy Richardson
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has declined to sign the Edo State Peace Accord organized by the National Peace Committee, chaired by Rt. General Abdulsalami A. Abubakar, in Benin City today.
In a press briefing, PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi outlined the reasons behind the party’s decision not to endorse the accord, citing serious concerns over police bias and unlawful arrests.
Aziegbemi emphasized that the people of Edo State are very peaceful and law-abiding, particularly in the conduct of elections, and he expressed confidence that the Abdulsalami-led National Peace Committee has witnessed this in previous elections.
However, he stressed that given the prevailing circumstances, the PDP has decided not to sign the Peace Accord.
He accused a particular political party of unleashing violence on the citizens of Edo State, specifically referencing an incident on July 18, 2024, and stated that none of the individuals involved in the incident had been questioned, while many PDP members have been detained for weeks without cause.
The PDP Chairman also accused the Inspector General of Police of bias and stated that the party is taking these steps to ensure that the IGP, whom he described as biased, refrains from influencing the outcome of the upcoming election.
Aziegbemi articulated that the PDP is making specific demands that must be met for the party to sign the Peace Accord.
These demands include the immediate and unconditional release of all persons currently in what the party describes as unlawful custody, with any allegations against them brought before a court of competent jurisdiction promptly.
The party is also calling for the redeployment of the current Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner to be replaced by impartial individuals with no affiliations to any contesting parties.
Additionally, the PDP demands the immediate recall of any external police teams or squads from Abuja or other locations currently operating in Edo State, who are allegedly arresting perceived political opponents and creating unnecessary tension.
Furthermore, the party seeks a firm assurance from the Nigeria Police Force and the Independent National Electoral Commission to operate without bias, ensuring a level playing field for all parties involved.
Aziegbemi emphasized that the PDP remains committed to a peaceful and democratic process and is prepared to sign the Peace Accord if these conditions are met.
He stressed that these steps are necessary to ensure fairness and transparency in the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
The decision by the PDP not to sign the Peace Accord highlights the importance of addressing these concerns to maintain confidence in the electoral process as the state prepares for the 2024 gubernatorial elections.
