The Nigeria Police Force has been urged to stop harassing, intimidating, and victimizing members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. This call comes as the state gears up for the crucial governorship election scheduled for September 21. The Team Asue Media Organization (TAMO) voiced its concerns over what it describes as biased treatment by the police, which they believe unfairly targets the PDP.
On Wednesday, TAMO issued a statement in Benin City, expressing disappointment with the Nigeria Police Force’s perceived lack of neutrality. The organization highlighted that despite repeated complaints from PDP leaders about the police’s partisan actions over the past two months, there has been no concrete response or assurance from the police to address these issues.
Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Director-General of the Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, recently raised these concerns at a press conference. He outlined several incidents where PDP members have faced arrest, harassment, and intimidation. Among those reportedly detained are Mr. Amos Tom and Kingsley Osahon, a councilor from Esan North East Local Government Area. Additionally, Iduoriyekemwen mentioned that the whereabouts of several other PDP members remain unknown.
Iduoriyekemwen also alleged that the police had compiled a list of prominent PDP figures from the state’s three senatorial districts, including Chief Odion Olaye, Chief Francis Inegbiniki, Chief B. Olukoga, Mr. Festus Osaigbovo, and Dr. Kelly Inedegbor. He claimed that fake court warrants had been used in an attempt to undermine the PDP’s efforts and weaken their position ahead of the election.
TAMO criticized the police for their apparent partiality and accused them of siding with certain political factions during this electoral period. The organization pointed out that while the PDP is actively campaigning and engaging with voters across the state, opposition parties seem to be leveraging the police to gain an unfair advantage.
The group has called on the police to uphold their duty of neutrality and to avoid being manipulated for political gain. TAMO also urged the police to address the violence and disruptions seen in Benin City on July 18, when incidents occurred during a visit by Philip Shaibu and APC candidate Monday Okpebholo.
TAMO stressed the importance of the police publicly declaring their impartial stance to ensure a fair and transparent election process. They believe that only by demonstrating clear neutrality can the police restore public confidence and contribute to a genuinely democratic election.
