THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for next Saturday’s election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has vowed that his party will sign the peace accord with other political parties once the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force fulfill all their conditions.
Speaking in an interview today, Ighodalo expressed concern that some PDP members had been arrested and detained without being charged.
He emphasized that his camp is ready to sign the peace accord, which other parties involved in the election have already signed, once their detained supporters are released.
“We had several conditions, and most of them have been met, with one remaining. Many of our people have been unjustly detained.
“If people are held, they should either be charged or released on bail. Once that happens, we will sign the peace accord,” Ighodalo stated.
He explained that the party’s refusal to sign the peace accord was due to the lack of a level playing field but acknowledged that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had assured them of neutrality.
“We witnessed harassment and intimidation of our supporters, while thugs from the opposing party, seen on TV with weapons, were not arrested.
“Naturally, we felt harassed and intimidated. Until there is a level playing field, we cannot sign the peace accord.
“But today, we feel somewhat reassured. The Inspector General of Police has personally assured us that we will have a fair environment,” he added.
Ighodalo reiterated that his camp advocates nonviolence and will continue to do so.
Last Thursday, all political parties involved in the Edo election signed a peace accord to avoid violence, but the PDP declined.
The Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who chairs the Peace Committee, noted that the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, and PDP leaders refused to sign the accord due to allegations against the police.
The PDP Chairman in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, also left the peace accord venue in protest, stating that a party member, who is also the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area, Collins Aigbogu, had been arrested by the police and not released.