- The All Progressives Congress (APC) refused to sign the peace accord against the September 21 governorship election, just a few hours before the signing
- Emperor Jarret Tenebe, APC Edo State Chairman cited ongoing security concerns, accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of allegedly shielding murderers
- APC demanded that the police declare suspects involved in recent killings as wanted before agreeing to the peace accord
In a dramatic turn of events, the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared it would not participate in the Peace Accord just under two hours before the signing for the September 21 Edo governorship election.
Speaking at a press conference at the party secretariat, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, the APC Edo State chairman, cited several reasons for their refusal to sign the accord on Thursday, September 21.
Tenebe accuses Obaseki of harbouring suspects
Tenebe stated that over two months after Police Inspector Onuh Akor, who was assigned to Monday Okpebholo, was fatally shot along Airport Road on July 18, no arrests or prosecutions had been made, despite former Commissioner of Police Funsho's claim that the command had the names of the killers at the Benin airport.
He alleged that, rather than being detained, the suspects are purportedly being accommodated by Governor Godwin Obaseki at the government house.
“This failure of the police has emboldened the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Peoples Democratic Party to attack members of our political party at rally grounds and in their private business premises ceaselessly,” Tenebe stated.
He alleged that the governor’s inflammatory remarks have weakened his credibility as the Chief Security Officer of the State.
Tenebe highlights attacks in Edo localities
He pointed out various incidents of violence against the APC campaign team in Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, and Esan West local government areas while they were mobilising supporters for the election.
“In the wake of this very worrisome and dangerous trend, Governor Obaseki kept mute and refused to condemn the attacks as the Chief Security Officer of the state. Instead, one Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Edo State, while in the company of Obaseki, openly threatened the country that.
“Nigeria will burn if INEC fails to declare the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.”
APC demands police action against suspects for peace accord
He cited several PDP leaders who, he claimed, have openly bragged about their ability to act with impunity. He also noted that the party's petition to the police, which included names of suspects, has yet to be addressed.
He said, “The summary of these episodes is the unwillingness of Obaseki to embrace peace and the refusal of the security agencies to guarantee a peaceful environment for the conduct of September 21st, 2024 scheduled election.”
As a condition for signing the peace accord, Tenebe stated that the police must visibly take action by declaring those implicated in the killing of the police officer—who are allegedly being sheltered in government circles—as wanted.
From Igbinedion to Obaseki: Timeline of Edo governors from 1999 to 2024
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Edo State had experienced various transformative political developments, both under military and civilian rule, since its establishment in 1991
As the state gears up for its 2024 gubernatorial elections, TheRadar compiled the state governors from 1999 to 2024.