PDP Opens Up On Why It Boycotted Edo Election Peace Accord

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has given reason for boycotting the Peace Accord for the forthcoming governorship election.

The leadership of the party has voiced their anger and discontent regarding the situation in Edo state, highlighting issues of victimization, brutality, intimidation, and the arrest of their members by law enforcement agencies.

They described the peace pact signed by 17 other political parties as a “death trap.”

Amb. Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman, stated that the PDP cannot endorse a Peace Accord that jeopardizes their safety and security.

He emphasized that it is unacceptable for the party to endure victimization, brutality, intimidation, and arrests by security forces while simultaneously agreeing to a Peace Accord.

Damagum said, “So, as regards the signing of the peace accord, nobody is shirking responsibility. Rather, we are pointing out to Nigerians that there is something suspicious under this APC-led administration, with police being paid with taxpayers’ money.”

When asked whether the party would participate in the election, Damagum said: “We are going to participate. We will come out in mass, and we will defend our votes with our blood.

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“Let them be very, very clear about that. We could not sign or be part of it because we gave conditions, and it is their responsibility to ensure that these conditions are met. If they arbitrarily arrest members of only one particular party, then that means there is something you do not know. So, what peace are we signing for?.”

Damagum further added: “The IGP should immediately redeploy the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo, so as to guarantee confidence, peace and security during the Edo State governorship election.

“The IGP should immediately release all members of the PDP being detained by the Police. The IGP should desist from interfering in the activities of the Edo State Security Corps, a body lawfully established under the law.

“The PDP demands that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, immediately redeploy the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, from the State, especially now that people are already agitated against this obnoxious appointment.”

On his part, the National Publicity Secretary Hon. Debo Ologunagba emphasized the party’s position on the matter. He stated, “We cannot agree to a Peace Accord that leads us to death.”

It is important to note that Governor Godwin Obaseki has also expressed his reluctance to sign the accord, pointing to a lack of confidence in both the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Out of the 18 political parties participating in the Edo governorship election scheduled for September 21, 17 have signed the peace accord, while the PDP has opted not to do so.