#ReleasePDPSupporters Trends on Social Media as Police Clamp Down on Party’s Campaigners

A new social media campaign, #ReleasePDPSupporters, has gained traction as concerns over police impartiality escalate ahead of the Edo governorship election.

Many citizens and activists argue that the police have shown a clear bias by targeting PDP members while leaving supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The clampdown has seen several PDP campaigners arrested, allegedly for minor infractions such as wearing party-branded attire or canvassing for votes.

This has prompted widespread condemnation from social media users, who assert that the arrests represent an assault on democratic freedoms and voters’ rights.

PDP loyalists and political commentators have not minced words in their critique, labelling the arrests as a coordinated effort to weaken the party’s campaign.

They argue that such tactics are aimed at intimidating voters, creating an atmosphere of fear, and undermining the electoral process.

“The continuous arrest of PDP supporters ahead of the Edo election is an assault on democracy! #ReleasePDPSupporters,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Another popular post read, “How can we trust in a fair election when PDP supporters are being harassed? #ReleasePDPSupporters.”

Critics accuse law enforcement agencies of siding with the ruling APC, using their authority to stifle the opposition and prevent a level playing field ahead of the vote.

“Targeting PDP members while protecting APC shows the police are no longer impartial. #ReleasePDPSupporters,” another X user commented.

This sentiment has been widely shared, with many calling on authorities to uphold neutrality in their dealings with political parties.

Proponents of the #ReleasePDPSupporters campaign argue that what is happening in Edo is not law enforcement but political intimidation.

Activists stress that democracy can only thrive when citizens are free to support and campaign for the political party of their choice without fear of harassment or detention.

“Edo deserves a free and fair election, not one manipulated by arrests! #ReleasePDPSupporters,” said another concerned social media user.

Others have called into question the legality of the arrests, suggesting they may violate basic human rights.

Several users have pointed to cases where citizens were reportedly arrested simply for donning PDP-branded shirts, calling it a gross overreach of police power.

“Arresting citizens for wearing PDP shirts is a violation of their rights. #ReleasePDPSupporters,” one post read.

As the election draws nearer, calls for accountability and intervention are growing. Many have urged the Inspector General of Police to step in and halt what they see as a targeted campaign against opposition voices.

“We call on the Inspector General to intervene and stop these unlawful arrests. #ReleasePDPSupporters,” another post demanded.

Political analysts have warned that if the trend continues, it could have serious consequences for the credibility of the election.

There are growing fears that voter turnout may be suppressed, as supporters of the PDP might avoid the polls out of fear of further police action.