By joshua PAGG Condemns Intimidation And Victimization Of Political Opponents
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The Peoples’ Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG) has condemned what it described as intimidation of the opposition by the Edo State Government using state apparatus.
The condemnation followed the arraignment of the father of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, over trumped-up charges.
Recall that the 90-year-old, Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, was arrested by armed policemen from the Edo State Police Command at about 4 a.m. from his residence in Amagba, a suburb of Benin City, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
The nonagenarian was arraigned alongside three others at the Edo State Special Criminal Court on Monday, October 19, 2026, on allegations of cultism, conspiracy, attempted murder and land dispute. They were admitted to bail in the sum of ₦1 million each.
Reacting to the development, PAGG, in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor, and National Secretary, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkama, described the arrest and arraignment as an attempt to muzzle the opposition ahead of the elections.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the arrest and arraignment of Pa Iduoriyekemwen over alleged cultism, attempted murder and other false charges by policemen who invaded his residence in commando style, at a time when he was supposed to be enjoying his sleep.
“How could they allege that a 90-year-old great-grandfather is a cultist? How on earth could they have charged him to a Special Court that is not known to our Constitution?
“The arraignment by the police is nothing but the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob. We make bold to say that the real target of the whole incident is the ADC senatorial candidate, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, with the
” the group said.
The Group warned that no amount of intimidation and victimization will suppress the voice of opposition in the state, adding that the people are ready to do the needful.
“This present government in Edo state is very intolerant to the opposition, whereas opposition in whatever form is the beauty of democracy.
“Let it be known that the good people of Edo can see the deceit of the current government and the pain it is inflicting on them. They know what to do and are ready to vote out bad governance, come 2027”, it added.
“We, therefore, call on Governor Monday Okpebholo to order the immediate withdrawal of the case against Pa Iduoriyemkewen in the interest of peace, remembering that Hon Iduoriyekme has served this state meritorious,” the statement concluded.