Ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election on September 21, Governor Godwin Obaseki has voiced grave worries about the ongoing arrests and intimidation of PDP leaders in Edo State.
Obaseki issued a warning, stating that unbridled police activity might spark a crisis that would affect the entire state and have far-reaching, destabilizing consequences.

Speaking to demonstrators assembled at Benin City’s Government House to express their annoyance with the police’s conduct, Obaseki said, “A local government chairman has also been arrested in collusion with the state’s opposition party in an attempt to scare members of our party, the PDP.

“I’ve heard that, if they can, the goal is to detain as many prominent PDP members as they can, myself included. Our democracy is seriously threatened by this trend, which is quite hazardous.”
Obaseki disclosed that he has requested immediate assistance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

“I don’t know how to stop this,” he said, expressing his irritation at the Commissioner of Police undermining his authority as the State’s chief security officer. Not just some Nigerians, but all of them should be protected by the police force.”

The governor asked party members and the general public to maintain their composure while they awaited the conclusion of his planned meeting with the IGP, despite the tight circumstances.

He emphasized that peaceful behavior is crucial during this time and warned that any worsening of the situation in Edo could have national repercussions.

“Edo is a very special State, and no one should be held accountable if they start a crisis there because anything can turn into anything.” This is not what we want for Nigeria.”

Following his talks with the IGP, Obaseki pledged to move decisively, stressing the need to uphold Edo’s democratic process.