From Moshood Karim
The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has explained its decision not to sign the Peace Accord organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in anticipation of the upcoming gubernatorial elections.
At a press conference on Thursday, the PDP criticised the police for what they describe as partiality and bias, asserting that the force’s actions have favoured the All Progressives Congress (APC) and undermined the PDP’s position.
The party contends that participating in the Peace Accord would be a futile gesture given what they perceive as the police’s unfair treatment and partisan behaviour.
According to the PDP, the police’s handling of election preparations has included elements that seem to benefit the APC, thereby compromising the integrity of the electoral process.
In response, the PDP has outlined several conditions that they believe must be met before they will consider joining the Peace Accord:
1. Immediate Release of Detainees: The PDP demands the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals currently held in unlawful custody. Any detainees who are accused of crimes should be brought before a court in accordance with constitutional procedures.
2. Redeployment of Key Officials: The party calls for the redeployment of the current Edo State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
They request replacements who are perceived as impartial and free from any connections to the contending parties.
3. Removal of External Police Teams: The PDP seeks the immediate withdrawal of any external police teams or squads from Abuja or other locations who are allegedly involved in illegal arrests and creating unnecessary tension in the state.
4. Commitment to Fairness: The party demands a commitment from both the Nigeria Police and INEC to ensure a level playing field, free from any influence or support for a particular party.
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