APC New Media Commends Police on Arrest of PDP’s Olu Martins, Calls for Peaceful Elections in Edo State

APC New Media Commends Police on Arrest of PDP’s Olu Martins, Calls for Peaceful Elections in Edo State

Benin City, Edo State – June 12, 2024: The All Progressives Congress (APC) New Media campaign committee has praised the Edo State Police Command for the arrest and subsequent court charge of Reverend Olu Martins, the spokesman for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign. This development comes in the wake of controversial statements made by Martins, which allegedly suggested that individuals unwilling to support the PDP might face violence.

The APC highlighted the significance of this arrest as a deterrent against incitement and emphasized the need for a peaceful and secure environment ahead of the upcoming Edo State governorship election. The party reiterated its commitment to a violence-free electoral process and called on all political stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy and peace.

In a statement, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, Director of New Media for the APC Governorship Campaign Council, noted that the arrest reflects the seriousness with which the authorities are treating threats to public order. Omo-Ikirodah recalled that APC’s State Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, had previously petitioned the police for Martins’ arrest, underscoring the party’s proactive measures to ensure a stable election period.

The APC’s statement also addressed the broader implications of election-related violence, arguing that it sows long-term discord and disrupts community harmony. The party criticized the PDP for not condemning Martins’ remarks, suggesting that such silence could be interpreted as an endorsement of violent tactics.

Reflecting on the current administration, the APC criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure, citing failures in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The party described the PDP’s call for violence as a diversion from its record of governance and urged Edo residents to reject such tactics in favor of a more constructive political dialogue.

The APC also called on the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the electoral process remains free from violence and intimidation. The party stressed that the future of Edo State hinges on a government that prioritizes peace, progress, and respect for traditional institutions and the rule of law.

As the governorship election approaches, the APC’s message is clear: the choice for Edo residents is between a peaceful future with the APC or continued turmoil under the PDP. The party urges voters to support a government committed to the welfare of the people and the stability of the state.