As the countdown to the historic 2016 governorship election in Edo State
enters its last week, the attempt to muzzle the opposition PDP by state
security forces seems to have intensified going by reports of harassment
and massive arrests of leaders and supporters of the party by the police
across the state.
Over the weekend, the police stormed the house of the former state
secretary of the party, Mr. Felix Utubor, in Igueben local government area
of Edo Central Senatorial district .
Mr. Utubor, sensing political victimization, escaped through the back door
and is now in hiding.
However, in Owan East local government area of Edo North Senatorial
district, a former deputy speaker and majority leader of the State House
of Assembly, Hon. Fred Omoigberale was arrested on the second occasion of
the policemen’s call at his home. From reports, the police having missed
him at home the first time, went to his office where in his absence his
manager was subjected to humiliation upon learning that he was a member of
the PDP.
In Iyamho, Etsako West LGA, twenty-two members of the PDP were also
arrested. No reasons have been given for these arrest.
Recently, there have been allegations by the PDP and other concerned
stakeholders that the ruling APC has as part of its design to manipulate
the election to its advantage, the use of the state security agencies,
particularly the police, to intimidate the PDP and people sympathetic to
their cause.
The PDP and various civil society groups have been in the media calling
for the intervention of the international community and the presidency,
saying that if not checked, the stage may be set for a compromised and
violence prone election in Edo State.
The world is watching how the ruling party in Nigeria is implementing the
rules of democracy it inherited from the PDP mid last year.