• State leaders flay PDP, governor over peace accord boycott
• Group calls for peaceful election, advises police to place governor on watchlist
• PDP Diaspora group tasks security agencies on neutrality
Wife of Edo State Governor, Betsy Obaseki, yesterday, dismissed allegations that APC plans to use “federal might” to influence the Edo governorship election in its favour, saying that President Bola Tinubu is committed to good governance.
 
Mrs. Obaseki, who spoke during an interview on an online media platform hosted by Albert Obaze from Leeds, United Kingdom (UK), described claims that the opposition would use federal might to influence the outcome of the election as baseless and a ploy to seek federal backing for dubious schemes.
 
Reflecting on the 2020 gubernatorial election, she reminded the people that similar claims of federal intervention were made at the time, yet Governor Godwin Obaseki emerged victorious.
 
The governor’s wife praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for his democratic stance, asserting that federal power in 2020 was used only to safeguard voters, not to tamper with election results.

However, top political leaders in Edo State, on Sunday, slammed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for spreading unfounded rumour, refusing to sign the peace agreement ahead of Saturday’s election.
 
They also urged PDP and Labour Party (LP) members in the state to shun violence during the governorship election. At a meeting to review strategies for the election, the leaders expressed belief in All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo’s capacity to restore trust in the government and open new businesses and investments.
 
“There is a strong hunger for change right now in Edo State. There is no question about APC’s expected victory, as the party has a strong connection to the grassroots in the state.’’
 
The notable leaders spoke with deep sincerity about the APC candidate’s approach, skill, persuasion, and ethos. They hailed Okpebholo for making a positive difference in the lives of the people of Esan.
 
“Okpebholo is a strong candidate for the economy, security, infrastructure, and welfare programmes.” Spokesman of the Edo Rescue Mission 2024, Amos Obasuyi, in a statement in Igueben, declared Okpebholo as the right man for the job.

MEANWHILE, the Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM) has called for a free, fair, and credible election in Edo State on Saturday. In a statement, yesterday, by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, CPPM expressed concern over reports of violence during pre-election campaigns, urging all stakeholders to adhere to democratic principles.
 
“We have absolute confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair, and credible election,” Ekujumi said. He also cautioned that the election would depend on political actors playing by the rules. The organisation advised INEC to remain professional and impartial, urging security agencies to focus on maintaining law and order.
 
The group also called on the media and accredited election observers to maintain neutrality throughout the electoral process to safeguard the election.
The committee further urged voters to reject violence and come out in large numbers to vote peacefully.
 
They, however, condemned the conduct of Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of inciting violence and failing to uphold his responsibilities as governor, while calling that he be placed on the security watch list, citing his previous controversial statements and actions during the 2020 election.

ALSO, the Asue/Ogie Diaspora Campaign Council, yesterday, called on the police to desist from any actions that could be perceived as intimidation or interference in the democratic rights of the people, ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State.
  
The Deputy Director-General of the council, Raymond Osaremen, raised the concern while addressing journalists in Benin yesterday.   Osaremen, who led several members from various countries, noted that if left unaddressed, the concerns could undermine “the very foundations of our democracy and the trust the people placed in our electoral system.”