Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has raised concerns over alleged police bias in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), suggesting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) might refuse to sign the Peace Accord ahead of the September 21 governorship election. Obaseki voiced these concerns during visit from the National Peace Committee chairman, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in Benin City.

Obaseki accused the police of acting under the influence of APC and claimed that numerous PDP leaders, including Esan West Local Government Chairman Collins Aigbogun had been arrested and transported to Abuja without due process. He questioned the fairness of signing a peace accord under such conditions and emphasized that the arrests undermined his authority as the state’s Chief Security Officer.

Obaseki also criticized the appointment of individuals with close ties to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to key electoral positions, raising concerns about potential electoral compromise. PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi echoed these worries, warning that Wike’s influence over the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the Edo Commissioner of Police could skew the election’s outcome in favor of APC.

Obaseki called for the immediate release of all arrested PDP leaders and stressed that without fair treatment from the police, the PDP might not participate in the peace accord. He urged for transparency in the election process to avoid violence and ensure democracy in Edo State.