10 Edo gubernatorial aspirants allege intimidation

Ten out of twelve aspirants for the All Progressives Party (APC) primaries have alleged intimidation and harassment of party officials by an "interest group."

This was contained in a letter addressed to the National Chairman, John Odigie Oyegun and signed by the following aspirants; Prof Osermiemen Osunbor, Pius Odubu, Chris Ogiemwonyi, Charles Airhiavbere, Ken Imasuagbon, Austin Emuan, Blessing Agbomhere,Tina Agbarha, Emmanuel Arigbe-Osula and Comrade Peter Esele.

The letter read in part; "There has remained consistent harassment and intimidation of party officials and political appointees on account of their support for aspirants of their choice.

"The latest of these acts of impunity and desperation to win at all cost is the purchase and or collections of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) by force or inducement by agents of a particular aspirant with a view to undermining a free and fair process of nomination beginning with accreditation of delegates.

"Most of the aspirants have been denied access to delegates during campaigns by a certain notorious thug who has consistently threatened Oredo delegates against meeting with aspirants other than hiss preferred aspirant.

"In view of the incessant harassment and intimidation of delegates, the party should ensure that the right of the delegates to vote in secrecy is protected an guaranteed.

"That the National Working Committee should direct all those in possession of PVCs belonging to any delegate (s) or any person to return he PVCs to their owners forthwith or face sanction from the party.

"That the National Working Committee shoul direct the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to arrest, investigate and prosecute all those involved in the collection or purchase of PVCs in Edo state.

They urged the National Working Committee to engage security agencies before, during and after the primaries.