Umar Damagum
The Peoples Democratic Party has demanded the redeployment of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, and the Commissioner of Police, Nemo Edwin-Iwo, ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the PDP Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, vowed that party members would defend their votes with blood and explained that the party did not sign the National Peace Committee’s accord due to concerns about the All Progressives Congress-led administration.
Damagum urged the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to ensure a smooth election in the state.
On the peace accord, Damagum said, “So, as regards the signing of the peace accord, nobody is shirking responsibility. Rather, we are pointing out to Nigerians that there is something suspicious under this APC-led administration, with police being paid with taxpayers’ money.”
When asked whether they would participate in the election, the PDP Acting National Chairman stated, “We are going to participate. We will come out in mass, and we will 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 it is their responsibility to ensure that 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?.”
Damagum stated that the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is poised for a decisive victory, anticipated to secure nearly 70% of the vote in the election.
The PDP chairman also noted that Ighodalo has garnered substantial support and solidarity from a broad cross-section of Edo State residents, regardless of party affiliation.
Damagum stressed that, for the elections to be free, fair, and credible, the Inspector General of Police must uphold his responsibilities to the Nigerian people, adhere to the Constitution, and ensure peace and security in Edo State and across the nation.
He stated, “The IGP should immediately redeploy the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo, so as 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.
“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.”
Damagum asserted that APC candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has no chance in the election and accused the APC of employing violence, manipulation, and police operatives to allegedly harass and detain innocent PDP members and supporters in Edo State.
The PDP boss warned the APC and police operatives that they had pushed the people of Edo State to their breaking point, and the response to unwarranted attacks could be severe.
Damagum added that the APC is testing the limits of the patience and tolerance of Edo State residents and should prepare for the repercussions.
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