Edo Election: Release Arrested PDP Leaders Or Charge Them To Court – Atiku Tells IGP

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the release of the arrested leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State.

Atiku, in a post via the X platform on Thursday, said it is a grievous affront by the Police and other security agencies to make such arrests on the eve of the governorship election in the state.

According to him, using federal assets against political opponents should not be encouraged in a democracy.

The former PDP presidential candidate, therefore, called on security forces to release the arrested party leaders or charge them to court if there is any substantial ground to hold them.

He wrote: “The time has come for our security agencies to be called to account.

“It is a grievous affront to the ideals of peace and harmony when, on the cusp of an off-season election, these agencies arbitrarily detain local leaders of the @OfficialPDPNig, thus robbing the opposition of the essential tools that would allow it to remain a competitive force.

“It is incumbent upon the Inspector General of Police and other esteemed heads of security to immediately release all detained members of the PDP or, should there be substantial grounds, to duly present them before the courts.

“The very essence of tranquillity is imperiled when the state’s federal assets are wielded to harass and intimidate political adversaries. -AA”