Edo guber: Police will remain impartial, professional, says Egbetokun

Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), says the police will provide a “level playing ground” for all political parties participating in the September 21 governorship election in Edo state.

Egbetokun spoke in Benin, the Edo state capital, on Thursday during the signing of a peace accord by political parties and their candidates ahead of the election.

The national peace committee led by Abubakar Abdulsalami, a former military head of state, initiated the peace accord.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate refused to sign the peace accord.

Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), and other political parties signed the peace accord.

Egbetokun said the police will be neutral and professional, adding that all stakeholders must work together to achieve a conducive environment for the poll.

“I’m here today to reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful and secure electoral process,” the IGP said.

“We recognise the importance of this moment and the trust placed on us to protect the integrity of this election.

“We will remain impartial, professional, and vigilant while providing a level playing ground for political parties and their candidates.

“I urge all stakeholders to embrace peace, tolerance, and respect. Let’s work together to create a conducive environment for a free, fair, and peaceful election, where every voter can exercise their rights to vote without fear and intimidation.”

ACCUSATION OF INTIMIDATION

Over the past few days, the PDP in Edo has been accusing the police of arresting its supporters and leaders to favour the APC.

On Wednesday, Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, said the party may not sign the peace accord for the election.

Obaseki spoke during a visit by Abubakar ahead of the signing of the peace accord.

He alleged that police personnel were working for the APC rather than working to enforce the peace accord.

Obaseki also claimed that 10 PDP members had been detained by the police without sufficient evidence or valid cases against them.