The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has accused certain officers of the Nigeria Police Force of conspiring with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to arrest and detain key members of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He alleges that these actions are part of a deliberate effort to create unrest in the state ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Governor Obaseki revealed that there is a plot to arrest several prominent PDP figures, which he described as a dangerous development posing a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. The Governor expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of the sitting local government chairman of Esan West, who was reportedly taken to Abuja in a move he views as undermining his authority as the state’s Chief Security Officer.
In a public statement, Governor Obaseki called for calm among his party supporters, urging them to remain peaceful. He emphasized that the Inspector General of Police is expected to visit Edo State soon, during which the Governor plans to personally express his concerns about the alleged collaboration between police officers and the APC.
“The situation is not in the best interest of anyone, including the Nigeria Police Force,” Governor Obaseki stated, stressing that any attempt to destabilize the state’s democracy must be addressed.