PDP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Violence in Edo By-Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused security operatives of bias in the ongoing by-elections in Edo State, alleging that suspected thugs and some security forces working against the party had stormed polling units in several local government areas, disrupting voting and intimidating voters. The party called on President Bola Tinubu to make an "unambiguous public declaration" directing security forces to remain neutral in the exercise. Amidst these allegations, the governor of Edo State has described the process as largely peaceful, with the exception of slow INEC equipment deployment in some areas.

Key Takeaways:

• The PDP has accused security operatives of bias in the ongoing by-elections in Edo State, alleging disruption of voting and intimidation of voters.
• The party called on President Bola Tinubu to make a public declaration directing security forces to remain neutral in the exercise.
• Senator Odia's sons were allegedly arrested by security forces in Esan Central, while PDP candidate Hon. Destiny Enabulele was assaulted by thugs shortly after casting his vote in Ovia South West.
• Courage Ebhohimhen alleged that police came to disrupt the elections in his polling unit in Ekpoma, Esan West Local government.
• PDP State Chairman, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, emphasized the need for security forces to remain neutral, stating "Democracy is about the will of the people freely expressed at the ballot box, not the will of desperate politicians imposed at gunpoint."
• The PDP has directed its members, supporters, and "well-meaning citizens" to resist any attempt to rig the elections and to protect their votes "by all and any means necessary permitted by law."
• Governor Okpebholo described the process as largely peaceful, with slow INEC equipment deployment as the only major issue.
• Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, commended INEC for the peaceful process, urging voters to participate fully and defend their votes.

Statistics:

• 8 a.m.: Accreditation commenced at polling units across Irrua and Uromi.
• Slow INEC equipment deployment affected voting processes in some areas.
• BVAS machines were causing delays in the voting process, according to Governor Okpebholo.
• The police have yet to react to the allegations of bias in the exercise.

Sources:

• "PDP Slams Security Operatives Over Alleged Violent Attack on Party Members in Edo Central," The Guardian Nigeria
• "Edo Governor Okpebholo thanks INEC for peaceful by-elections," The New TeleGrwk