Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the upcoming Edo State election, has stated that his party will sign the peace accord once the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police meet all their conditions.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ighodalo expressed concerns about the detention of PDP members, some of whom have been arrested without being charged.
He said, “We had several conditions, most of which have now been met with one left. Many of our guys have been held unjustly. We think if you hold guys, you charge them or let them go on bail. So, either they charge all our guys or let them go on bail. Once that is achieved we will sign the peace accord.”
Ighodalo emphasized that once his detained supporters are either charged or released, the PDP would have no hesitation in joining other political parties in signing the peace agreement ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election. He noted that the PDP refused to sign earlier because they believed the playing field was not level. However, the candidate acknowledged the assurances of neutrality given by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, saying, “Our camp preaches non-violence, and that will not change anytime soon.”
The peace accord, which has become a standard practice in Nigeria’s elections to promote non-violence, was signed by other political parties on Thursday. PDP officials, however, protested, citing the continued detention of one of their party members, Esan West Local Government Chairman, Collins Aigbogu, without charge.
PDP Chairman in the state, Tony Aziegbemi, stormed out of the peace accord venue, stating, “A member of our party, who doubles as Esan West Local Government Area Chairman, was picked up by the police days ago and has not been released,” He said.
