PAGG (former CRPP) Accuses Edo Government of Political Vendetta Over Arrest, Arraignment of 90 Year-old Iduoriyekemwen, Father of Edo South ADC Senatorial Candidate

Pa Iduoriyekemwen        

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

A group, Peoples' Assembly for Good Governance (PAGG) has described the arrest and arraignment of Pa Joseph Iduoriyekemwen, the 90 year-old father of Mr. Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections as an attempt to muzzle the opposition.

The elder Iduoriyekemwen was arrested by detectives from the Edo State Police Command at about 4 am from his residence in suburban Amagba, Benin City, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

In a joint statement Monday, October 19, 2026 in Benin City by the national chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor and national secretary, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkama, PAGG  (formerly Coalition of Registered Political Parties - CRPP) vehemently condemned what it described as intimidation of the opposition by the Edo State Government, using machinery of state.

The condemnation followed the arraignment of Pa Iduoriyekemwen, the father of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Edo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Mr. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, over what Isibor and Nkama insisted as trumped-up charges.

The old man and three others, who were arraigned at the Edo State Special Criminal Court on Monday, October 19, 2026, on allegations of cultism, conspiracy, attempted murder and land dispute, were admitted to bail in the sum of ₦1 million each.

While condemning in strongest terms the Gestapo style arrest by the policemen who invaded his residence at a time when the nonagenarian was supposed to be enjoying his sleep, Isibor and Nkama queried:

"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."

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. 

The chairman and the scribe pointedly accused the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration of being very intolerant to the opposition, whereas opposition in whatever form is the beauty of democracy. 

The duo called on the governor to order the immediate withdrawal of the case against the senior citizen in the interest of peace, noting that the younger Iduoriyekenmen has over the years served Edo State meritoriously.

The statement added: "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."