The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the redeployment of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of this month’s governorship election in the state.
The PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, who made the call at a media briefing in Abuja, also demanded the redeployment of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nemo Edwin-Iwo.
He said the party members would defend their votes with blood in the state election on September 21.
The party was conspicuously absent when all the parties fielding candidates in the election signed the peace accord initiated by the National Peace Committee (NPC) on Thursday in Benin City.
The PDP chief urged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a free and fair election in the state.
READ ALSO: PDP holds Edo election campaign finale on September 14
He said: “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.
“Also, the IGP should immediately redeploy the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo, 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.
“On the peace accord, nobody is shirking responsibility. Rather, we are pointing out to Nigerians that there is something suspicious under this All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration with police being paid with taxpayers’ money.
“We are going to participate. We will come out in mass and defend our votes with our blood.
“Let them be very, very clear about that. We could not sign or be part of it because we gave conditions, and they are responsible for ensuring 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?”
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