PAGG accuses Edo govt of opposition intimidation over arraignment of ADC candidate’s father


By Elvis Omoregie, Benin

The Peoples’ Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG) has accused the Edo State Government of using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures following the arraignment of Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, the 90-year-old father of Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

The group, in a statement jointly signed by its National Chairman, Dr Samson Isibor, and National Secretary, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkama, described the arrest and arraignment of the nonagenarian as an attempt to muzzle opposition voices ahead of the elections.

Pa Iduoriyekemwen was reportedly arrested by armed policemen from the Edo State Police Command at about 4 a.m. on October 6 at his residence in Amagba, a suburb of Benin City. He was arraigned alongside three others at the Edo State Special Criminal Court on Monday, October 19, over allegations bordering on cultism, conspiracy, attempted murder and a land dispute.

The defendants were admitted to bail in the sum of ₦1 million each, according to the statement.
PAGG condemned the manner of the arrest and questioned the allegations against the elderly defendant, arguing that the case raised concerns about the treatment of opposition figures and their families in the state.

“How could they allege that a 90-year-old great-grandfather is a cultist?” the group queried, describing the arrest as an attempt to intimidate the ADC senatorial candidate through his father.

The organisation alleged that Matthew Iduoriyekemwen was the actual target of the incident, insisting that the prosecution was politically motivated. However, the allegations of political persecution were not independently established in the statement.

PAGG further accused the current administration of intolerance towards opposition voices, arguing that political pluralism and dissent were essential features of democracy.

The group warned that alleged intimidation would not silence opposition parties, expressing confidence that voters would use the 2027 general elections to hold the government accountable for its performance.

It called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to order the immediate withdrawal of the case against Pa Iduoriyekemwen, citing the need to preserve peace and acknowledging the public service record of his son.

The statement did not include a response from the Edo State Government or the police to the allegations.

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