By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be ready to face the full impact of the wrath of the people of state if it (APC ) continues in its violent attacks and harassment of innocent citizens of the State.
The PDP equally called on President Bola Tinubu, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the international community to help ensure the September 21 governorship election in Edo State is held under a level playing field.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Hon Debo Ologunagba stated this while addressing the media in Abuja on Monday.
The PDP has consequently called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to wade in and halt the activities of the APC “which is now pitching the people of Edo State against the Police”.
The IGP, the leading opposition party maintained, should ensure the immediate and unconditional release of every Edo citizen being detained by the APC.
Ologunagba pointed out that the PDP, as a law-abiding and applying party that stands for the interest of the people, will not fold its hands and watch the APC harass the people of Edo State.
The PDP, the National Publicity Secretary said, will ,within the ambit of the law, stop at nothing in contending with the APC, head-to-head in all ramifications, magnitude and force where necessary to protect “our democracy and ensure that the Will of the people of Edo State is not subverted in this election”.
According to Ologunagba, “The PDP already has information of how the APC and its candidate are importing thugs from Imo State, some of who curiously appear in the INEC list to serve as SPOs for the election.
“These APC thugs from Imo State should know that the people of Edo are already aware of their sinister plan and it will be in their interest to steer clear of Edo State.
“The APC must note that nobody has the monopoly of violence and that nobody is above the law.
“APC and its candidate are practically pushing the people of Edo State to the wall; they should know that there is a limit to what a people can stomach in the face of aggression and be ready the face the consequences if they fails to desist from these dastardly acts.
“The people of Edo State have had enough from the APC and will use every legitimate means allowed in a democracy to defend themselves by directly and physically confronting and resisting the APC in its desperate plot to derail the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
“The PDP as a law-abiding and applying Party that stands for the interest of the people will not fold its hands and watch the APC harass the peope of Edo State.
“Our Party will within the ambit of the law stop at nothing in contending with the APC, head-to-head in all ramifications, magnitude and force where necessary to protect our democracy and ensure that the Will of the people of Edo State is not subverted in this election.
“The PDP is standing shoulder-to shoulder with the people of Edo State in their resolve to protect their State and democracy and anybody no matter how highly placed, who in any way attempt to subvert the Will of the people of Edo State in this election, will definitely face the consequences.
“The PDP again calls on the Inspector General of Police to wade in and halt the activities of the APC which is now pitching the people of Edo State against the Police.
“The IGP should ensure the immediate and unconditional release of every Edo citizen being detained by the APC.
“The IGP owes a duty to the people of Edo State and the Nation, in the perseveration of peace and sustenance of democracy, to address this issue before it escalates.
“This is the only way to douse the tension in Edo State and reassure the people of a free, fair, transparent and credible election”, the PDP national Spokesperson said.
