Kwara government raises alarm over 'arrests' of PDP members during by-election

The Kwara State government has alleged that chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in Ekiti, Isin, Oke-Ero and Irepodun Federal Constituency are being rounded up and arrested ahead of Saturday’s by-election.

Kwara is holding a by-election on November 17, 2018 to replace Funke Adedoyin,the federal lawmaker who died on Friday, September 28, aged 54, following a battle with cancer.

In a statement issued by Dr Muyideen Akorede, Senior Special Assistant On Media and Communications to the Kwara State Governor, the state government said it has become aware of the reported arrests of PDP members in the four local government areas by security personnel, with no lawful justification whatsoever.

The state government says while it recognizes the right of security agencies to maintain law and order, this should not be done in a manner that intimidates members of a political party while paving the way for members of another party.

The statement called on security agencies to resist any attempt to use them to execute political agenda or any unlawful activity and maintain neutrality and rule of law in carrying out their duties.

The state government also called on citizens and residents not to be intimidated by the heavy security presence across the state, but to exercise their constitutional right to choose representatives of their choice without fear or intimidation.

The statement enjoined electoral observers, journalists and lovers of democracy to be vigilante and speak out against any attempt to intimidate or disenfranchise Nigerians using the so-called “Federal might”.

Police denies carrying cash in helicopters

The police has denied stories that one of its helicopters was used to offload cash meant to buy votes during the election.

Kwara is home state of Senate President Bukola Saraki who defected to the PDP from the governing APC in July. Today's election is seen as a harbinger of which way the pendulum will swing and bragging rights of some sort, between PDP and APC, when the 2019 general election is held.

The PDP and APC have both alleged intimidation and underhand tactics ahead of the vote.