Hold Obaseki responsible if Edo turns violent, APC youths warn

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League has slammed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for declining to sign a peace accord ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

In a statement, its National President, Comrade Olamide Lawal, expressed disappointment and concern about PDP’s refusal to be part of a peace pact, aimed at re-assuring the electorate of a non-violent exercise.

He said: “We are shocked that the PDP has refused to sign the peace accord, usually signed by political parties participating in elections. This indicates a lack of commitment to peaceful elections and a potential resort to violence.

“We urge the PDP to reconsider their decision, retrace their steps in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy and sign the peace accord forthwith. We also call on security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible election.

“The youth in Edo State will not hesitate to hold Governor Godwin Obaseki accountable for any breach of peace during the election. We will not allow him to use his exalted office to cause chaos and destruction before he leaves office.

“Regrettably, Governor Obaseki is also a beneficiary of this peace accord. Why he asked his party not to be part of a peace-assuring process is an attempt to jeopardise the efforts of members of this peace accord in the heartbeat of the nation.”

Lawal appealed to other stakeholders in the country to step up their game by ensuring that the forthcoming election is peaceful. He said: “We call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and civil society organisations to intervene and prevail on the PDP to re-assure the electorate of a peaceful election in words and actions.