Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has criticized the police for allegedly targeting his party’s supporters during the ongoing elections.
Speaking at a polling unit in Ewohimi, Ighodalo claimed that police apprehended a PDP supporter while attempting to vote, asserting that only PDP members are facing arrests while members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) engage in misconduct without repercussions.
Ighodalo described the police’s actions as unlawful and intimidating, emphasizing that armed individuals should not be present at polling units.
He expressed frustration over the perceived bias of law enforcement, calling for a more equitable electoral process. He also noted significant delays in the election process and suggested extending polling hours to accommodate voters.
The PDP, having previously refrained from signing the Peace Accord due to the detention of several party leaders, continues to push for fair treatment in the electoral environment.
“One of our supporters was arrested by men in mufti carrying guns. Nobody should carry a gun to a polling unit; that’s against the law and regulation.
“But you just see people misbehaving, oppressing, and trying to intimidate our voters. We won’t be intimidated and oppressed.
“How come it is only PDP supporters that are being arrested? Every day, you see APC supporters doing the worst things imaginable; nobody arrests them, nobody even investigates them.
“The authorities should create a free and fair level playing field. It is getting too much, particularly from the police force or people that claim to be policemen. If policemen want to be politicians, they should retire.
“INEC has been delayed for over two hours; the only fair thing will be for closure to be extended by maybe for 2 or 3 hours. So that everybody can get to vote.”
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