TDM Demands Investigation, Arrest, Prosecution of Esan West Chairman Over Alleged Political Threats, against citizens

... _threatens mass civil action over alleged political violence with impunity..._ 

The National Coordinator of the Dickson Movement for Democracy (TDM) and prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to investigate and, where appropriate, arrest and  prosecute the Chairman of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Hon. Blessing Albert Ebhodaghe, over alleged political intimidation of commercial drivers and hoteliers who are employers of labour in Edo state..

Ogbidi's call followed reports and a video and audio conversations circulating on social media in which the council chairman was seen addressing commercial drivers at Onitsha Park in Ekpoma and warning them against wearing caps, T-shirts or other political materials associated with opposition parties and another speaking to a hoteliers who gave his business premises for meetings by Opposition party in the state. 

Reports on the incident said the chairman described his directive as a "standing warning" and threatened to prevent drivers who failed to comply from operating from the park and also seal up the hotel premises. He was also reported to have distributed APC-branded caps to some of the drivers after addressing them.

The chairman reportedly linked the directive to Governor Monday Okpebholo's pledge to mobilise 2.5 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, urging the drivers to support the political agenda of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to the development, TDM urged security agencies to urgently examine the circumstances surrounding the chairman's statements and  a comprehensive investigation and arrest and prosecution of the chairman.

"We want to state categorically that acts of incitement, intimidation and oppression must not be allowed to undermine peace in Edo State," Ogbidi said.

He  therefore called on the Edo State commands of the Nigeria Police Force  and the DSS to invite the council chairman for questioning and take any further action required by law.

 According to him, the demand was necessary to demonstrate the commitment of security agencies to the rule of law and to peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 general election.

TDM also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pay close attention to statements and activities capable of undermining citizens' freedom to participate in the electoral process.

He alleged that similar incidents of political intimidation had been reported in other parts of like the Osun incident of violent rhetoric by a serving senator and a council chairman in the FCT and argued that electoral authorities and security agencies should respond consistently whenever credible complaints arise.

"This is unacceptable. Nigerians will not allow intimidation to become a normal feature of our democratic process," he said.

The TDM coordinator further warned that continued inaction over alleged political intimidation could  lead to organised civil action by citizens demanding accountability from relevant institutions who may be allowing the trend to continue with impunity 

"If we continue like this, we cannot be certain that the peace we all desire for the 2027 election will be achieved," he said.

He urged political actors, irrespective of party affiliation, to respect democratic freedoms and avoid actions capable of creating tension or undermining peaceful participation.

TDM said the security agencies should investigate the Esan West incident and, where evidence establishes a breach of the law, prosecute those responsible.

He added that decisive and impartial enforcement of the law would help reassure citizens that political influence would not place anyone above the law.

INEC has already commenced preparations for the 2027 general elections and has urged political parties, candidates, supporters and citizens to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral cycle.

The Nigeria Police Force has similarly warned political parties, candidates and supporters against violence, intimidation, thuggery and other electoral offences, stressing that persons found culpable would face the law irrespective of their political affiliation or status.

Against this background, TDM called for prompt investigation of the allegations surrounding the Esan West incident, saying the outcome should be communicated transparently to the public.

He maintained that political competition should be based on persuasion, policies, and citizens' free choices rather than coercion or threats.