By Rita Ebiuwa
AS the Edo State governorship election approaches, the actions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have become increasingly desperate, with the party resorting to using federal might to intimidate and silence the opposition. The level of impunity being exhibited is nothing short of alarming, and the lengths to which the APC is going to maintain control are deeply troubling.
One of the most shocking examples of this brazen abuse of power is the recent actions of APC chieftain, Blessing Agbomhere, who went as far as wearing a police uniform in an attempt to intimidate PDP members. This action represents the height of impunity and lawlessness. It is a blatant violation of the law, as impersonating a law enforcement officer is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Yet, Agbomhere, emboldened by the federal influence his party wields, has acted without fear of consequences.
This act is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader strategy by the APC to use intimidation and fear to suppress the opposition. The fact that a party leader feels entitled to wear a police uniform to intimidate political opponents highlights the level of desperation within the APC. They are fully aware that the PDP is the popular choice of the people of Edo, and as the election draws nearer, their underhanded tactics are becoming more obvious.
The APC’s reliance on federal power to intimidate the PDP is a clear sign that they know they are losing this election. Rather than campaigning on the merits of their policies or leadership, they are instead attempting to rig the election through violence, intimidation, and manipulation of state institutions. The arrest and intimidation of PDP members have become routine in the lead-up to the election, with incidents like the brutal attack on Hon. Collins Aigbogun (aka Abuja) by APC thugs at a PDP rally in Esan West being a prime example of the lengths they are willing to go.
After being attacked, Hon. Aigbogun was unjustly arrested and moved to Abuja by the Nigeria Police Force. This action, clearly influenced by the APC’s federal connections, is part of a larger strategy to silence key figures in the PDP who could resist their rigging attempts. By arresting and intimidating opposition leaders, the APC hopes to create an environment where they can manipulate the electoral process without resistance.
The international community must take note of what is happening in Edo State. The fact that a political figure can impersonate a police officer without consequence speaks to the deep rot within the political system. Blessing Agbomhere should be arrested and prosecuted for this clear act of impersonation, but instead, he is walking free, further emboldening the APC to continue its campaign of fear and intimidation.
This level of impunity is a direct assault on democracy. Elections are meant to be a reflection of the will of the people, but the APC’s tactics show that they are more interested in holding onto power by any means necessary, even if it means undermining the very principles of democracy. The people of Edo State deserve a free and fair election, one where their voices can be heard without fear of intimidation or violence.
Despite these desperate tactics, the people of Edo have made their choice clear. The PDP has emerged as the solution to the problems facing the state, and the APC knows that the election is already lost. That is why they are resorting to these extreme measures. But no amount of federal might or intimidation will change the will of the people.
The international community, civil society organizations, and all those committed to democracy must raise their voices against these tactics. The intimidation of the PDP must stop, and Blessing Agbomhere should be held accountable for his actions. The future of democracy in Edo State, and indeed in Nigeria, depends on ensuring that the upcoming election is free, fair, and free from intimidation.
The people of Edo State will not be bullied into submission. They have decided, and they will defend their choice against any attempts to rig or manipulate the process.
We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Blessing Agbomhere for impersonating a police officer. We demand an end to the intimidation and harassment of PDP members. And most importantly, we demand that the democratic will of the people be respected.
The future of Edo State is in the hands of its people, and no amount of federal might can take that away.
