Edo election: “Police arresting PDP chieftains while APC thugs roam the streets” – Group

The Edo Democracy Movement (EDM) has criticized the Nigeria Police Force for alleged partisanship and selective law enforcement in the lead-up to the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The group is particularly enraged by the police’s inaction regarding Blessing Agbomhere, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Supernumerary Chief Superintendent of Police (SPY), who was filmed threatening Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The group stated that despite a clear directive from Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for Agbomhere’s arrest, the police have yet to act.

Agbomhere, a prominent APC supporter, was captured on video making threats against the governor, an incident that has heightened concerns as the election approaches.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 19, and signed by its coordinator, Omoregbe Osayiuwa, the EDM demanded Agbomhere’s immediate arrest and condemned what it described as “selective enforcement of the law.”

“The failure to arrest Blessing Agbomhere for his dangerous and inflammatory statements against Governor Obaseki sends a clear message to the people of Edo that the police are biased towards the APC and cannot be trusted to ensure a fair election,” the statement read.

The EDM accused the police of acting with undue haste when arresting and detaining several chieftains and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in recent weeks.

“PDP members have been picked up across Edo State and transported to Abuja without arrest warrants or formal charges.

“Yet, despite clear evidence against Agbomhere, the police have ignored the issue,” the group noted.