Supernumerary Chief Superintendent of Police Blessing Agbomhere, who was detained on Wednesday for inciting Edo State residents against the PDP’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has issued an apology to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for his actions.

Agbomhere, who also serves as the South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), apologized for abusing his office and making political statements while in uniform.

In a statement released after his release from custody, Agbomhere expressed regret for his conduct, attributing his actions to what he described as ‘abuse of power and misgovernance’ by Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo. His apology comes just eight days before the Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21.

Agbomhere was featured in a viral video where he accused Governor Obaseki of embezzlement and undermining democracy, and criticized Ighodalo for allegedly refusing to sign a peace accord. He claimed that the actions of Obaseki and his political ally were reckless with Edo’s finances.

In his apology, Agbomhere stated: “I tender an unreserved apology to the Nigeria Police and the Inspector General of Police for my inappropriate conduct in addressing the press while dressed in police uniform. My actions were unintended and deeply regretted. The views expressed were my personal opinions and not those of the Nigeria Police, justified within my constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association.”

He further explained that, as a lawyer, journalist, and pro-democracy advocate, he was deeply troubled by the alleged assault on democracy and human rights by the Obaseki-led government, including the recent murder of Inspector Anu Akoh and attacks on APC members.

Agbomhere admitted that he momentarily forgot he was still in police uniform during the interview.