The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the state police command of acting like an extension of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the September 21 governorship election approaches. At a press conference in Benin on Sunday, PDP state chairman Tony Aziegbemi expressed concerns that this behavior could undermine the fairness of the election.
Aziegbemi claimed that the police have shown bias towards the opposition party, citing instances where the police acted in favor of the APC. He said, “The party has witnessed instances in which the police acted in manners that suggest that they are a wing of the All Progressives Congress.”
He added that the police have been ignoring complaints from other political actors, which could negatively impact the upcoming election. Aziegbemi mentioned that a few weeks ago, the police arrested the Deputy Director of Media for the PDP Election Campaign Council, Rev. Olu Martins, based on a petition against him. However, a petition from the PDP regarding threats made by the APC state chairman against Governor Godwin Obaseki has not been acted upon.
Furthermore, Aziegbemi claimed that a tactical team of police has been deployed to harass and surveil 22 members and leaders of the PDP. In response, the State Commissioner of Police, Funsho Adegboye, said the cases have been transferred to Abuja and that any comments or observations should be directed there.