Thugs suspected to be agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been threatening the lives of witnesses set to testify against the party at the Edo State governorship election petition tribunal.
FUSION CHRONICLES NIGERIA NEWSPAPER gathered that the threats, which include terrifying messages directed to both the witnesses and their families, have led many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains to flee the state or go into hiding.It was further learnt that the intimidation campaign has created fear among potential witnesses.
According to one of the victims: “I received a call warning me that if I dared to testify against the APC, not only would my life be in danger, but that of my family as well,” said a PDP official who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons.
“This is not just politics; it’s pure intimidation,” he added in a shaky voice.The threats come in the wake of the Edo governorship election held on September 21, where the APC faced allegations of electoral malpractice.
Before the election, the APC, with the assistance of the police, arrested several PDP chieftains and supporters in an apparent attempt to weaken the opposition. Reports indicate that many of those detained were taken to Abuja, diminishing the PDP’s efforts to mount a robust challenge to the election results.
The latest intimidation tactics appear to be a coordinated effort to prevent key PDP figures from testifying at the tribunal.A PDP member stated “We had strong evidence and credible witnesses lined up to present our case.But now, many of them are either in hiding or have fled the state altogether. It’s a disgrace to democracy.”
As fear grips the party, some PDP members have resorted to relocating their families to safer locations outside Edo State. I had no choice but to move my wife and kids away for their safety. This is not the kind of environment where we can peacefully seek justice.
“We are determined to fight this battle, but we must protect our loved ones first,” confessed another PDP official. All eyes are now on the tribunal and the response of security agencies to these developments
