By Emmanuel Kwada
A group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Kaduna PDP Restoration/Salvation Movement, has challenged the National Peace Committee led by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and President Bola Tinubu to ensure a peaceful and transparent governorship election in Edo State on September 21.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Imam Adam Lawal, the group expressed concerns over the refusal of the ruling PDP in Edo State to sign the Peace Accord, citing alleged bias and intimidation by security agencies.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu owes Nigerians a duty to conduct, for once, a free and fair election under his watch that can be adjudged to be transparent and credible.
The group warned that the actions of the security agencies and the Presidency’s alleged campaign for the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okphebolo, using the official X (formerly Twitter) handle, have eroded confidence in the impartiality and independence of the electoral umpire and security agencies.
The statement reads: “No election can be adjudged to be peaceful if the fundamental principles for fairness are completely scoured… President Bola Ahmed Tinubu owes Nigerians a duty to conduct, for once, a free and fair election under his watch that can be adjudged to be transparent and credible.”
The Edo State governorship election is scheduled to hold on September 21, 2024.
The group called on INEC, security agencies, and the government to demonstrate true neutrality during the election, emphasizing that peace can only be sustained through equity, fairness, and justice.
Key Demands:
- Neutral and transparent conduct of the election by INEC and security agencies.
- President Tinubu to ensure a free and fair election.
- The National Peace Committee to broker genuine peace, not muscle dissent.
- An end to alleged intimidation and arrest of PDP members.
The group’s statement has sparked reactions from Nigerians, with many calling for a peaceful and credible election in Edo State.
The Edo State governorship election is scheduled to hold on September 21, 2024.
