Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, has raised concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) potentially using personnel from Imo and Kogi states for the upcoming Edo governorship election. Ighodalo argues that such a move could undermine trust in the electoral process.

In a recent interview with Arise TV, Ighodalo expressed his concerns about INEC’s plans, stating that the agency should utilize personnel from states known for conducting free and fair elections rather than those from Imo and Kogi. He believes that the inclusion of officials from these states could negatively impact the credibility of the election.

Ighodalo also criticized the Nigeria Police for alleged bias towards the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claimed that police have been arresting his supporters without proper justification and that complaints filed with the state’s Commissioner of Police, Nemo Edwin-Iwo, have not been addressed.

“The police have been arresting our supporters without basis,” Ighodalo said. “The law requires that if someone is arrested, they should be charged within 24 hours or released on bail if no charges are filed. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for many of our supporters.”

He stressed that the PDP is seeking a fair electoral environment and called on INEC to ensure a level playing field. “We want our supporters to feel free and not intimidated,” Ighodalo added. “We seek a free and fair election where the people of Edo can decide their leaders without undue interference.”

Regarding the alleged involvement of INEC officials from Imo and Kogi, Ighodalo urged the commission to consider officials from regions with a track record of impartiality. “We hope that INEC will take our concerns seriously and avoid deploying officials from states with questionable electoral histories,” he concluded.