Tension is rising ahead of the Edo State governorship election as allegations have emerged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is employing police intimidation tactics against its opponents.
Before now, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been accused of dancing the tune of the APC in Edo as the state prepares to elect a new helmsman.
According to a police source, the APC has compiled a list of loyalists from rival parties and is leveraging law enforcement to arrest them and take them out of circulation before the elections.
The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the APC has strategically identified individuals known for their strong allegiance to opposition parties and is using the police to intimidate and coerce them.
“APC has written down the names of many of PDP loyalists. They plan on using the police to intimidate them ahead of the Edo governorship election.
“The plan includes unwarranted police visits, questioning, and even threats of arrest, to undermine the support base of PDP’s Asue Ighodalo.
”They have a list of 22 names for immediate arrest and have just compiled a second list of about 30 names. Some people in the first list have since been arrested.
”The plan is to make sure the guys are not around to work for PDP during these last days of the campaign through to the election proper.
“This move is part of their strategy to influence the election outcome by stifling dissent and consolidating APC’s advantage,” the source said.
The use of police resources for partisan purposes has raised concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.
In response to the allegations, the police have not issued an official statement, but sources within the force have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of their duties for political ends.
Political analysts have warned that such tactics could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and further inflame tensions among supporters of different parties.
The opposition has called for an independent investigation into the allegations, urging the Inspector General of Police to ensure that law enforcement remains impartial and adheres strictly to its mandate.
The Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race.