Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called on the people of Edo State to stand firm and not be intimidated as they head to the polls for the upcoming governorship election.
Speaking at a grand campaign rally in Benin on Saturday, Atiku stressed the importance of voting and defending the outcome of the election to ensure their preferred candidate emerges victorious.
Atiku reminded the people of Edo State that they had faced threats in the past but remained resolute, which ultimately contributed to their success. He urged them to do the same this time, rallying support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to become the next governor.
“Do not be scared, threatened, or intimidated. Vote and protect your votes so that your chosen candidate, Asue Ighodalo, will win the election,” Atiku said, referencing the previous election in the state where residents stood strong against external pressure.
Also addressing the crowd, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, the Chairman of the Edo National Campaign Council, lauded Governor Godwin Obaseki for his development projects in the state. He emphasized the need to elect a capable leader who can sustain and surpass Obaseki’s achievements.
“Obaseki has made significant contributions to Edo State, and we need a competent leader like Asue Ighodalo who will take the state to the next level,” Fintiri stated.
Bauchi State Governor and Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, also expressed the unity of PDP governors in backing Ighodalo’s candidacy. He reaffirmed that the party would not be intimidated by opposing forces.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State was confident that PDP’s candidate would prevail, declaring, “Light and darkness cannot coexist. Edo will shine on September 21st.”
The Edo State PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbem, in his address, urged citizens to come out en masse to vote, stating that it was their decision alone to determine their next governor.
“Edo people must remain resolute despite intimidation or threats. Only the people can decide their future,” he asserted.
The PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Adolphus Wabara, also addressed concerns over the electoral process. He called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to maintain a neutral stance, ensuring a fair and transparent election.
“We have warned INEC to provide a level playing field and not allow themselves to be pressured,” said Wabara, referencing past controversies in Nigerian elections.
During the rally, the PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, officially handed over the party’s flag to Asue Ighodalo, urging citizens to remain vigilant and resist any manipulation of the election results. He cautioned INEC against announcing results late at night, calling for transparency in the entire process.
In his acceptance speech, Asue Ighodalo thanked the crowd for their overwhelming support and promised to lead Edo State to greater heights if elected. “I will govern with sincerity, transparency, and a commitment to making Edo a beacon of progress,” Ighodalo stated.
The Edo governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024, is seen as a pivotal moment for the State and a test of Nigeria’s democracy.
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