Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming Edo State election on September 21, has pledged that his party will sign the peace accord with other political parties once certain conditions are met.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ighodalo expressed frustration over the arrest and detention of PDP members without formal charges. He stated that his party is ready to join the peace accord if the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force address these issues.
“We have several conditions, most of which have been met, but one remains. Many of our members are being held unjustly,” Ighodalo said. “We believe that if individuals are detained, they should either be charged or granted bail. Once these conditions are fulfilled, we will sign the peace accord.”
The PDP had initially declined to sign the peace accord, which other political parties had agreed to, citing concerns about an uneven playing field and allegations against the police. Ighodalo acknowledged that while the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured the party of neutrality, the PDP's commitment to non-violence remains steadfast.
On Thursday, all participating parties in the Edo election signed the peace accord, but the PDP refrained from participating. PDP Chairman in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, also walked out of the venue in protest, citing the ongoing detention of Collins Aigbogu, the PDP’s Esan West Local Government Area Chairman.
Ighodalo's promise to sign the accord hinges on the resolution of these issues, aiming to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process.
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