Governor Godwin Obaseki, the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, recently expressed his satisfaction with the dedication shown by key national institutions to ensure a free, fair, and credible gubernatorial election in the state. Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the party caucus at the Government House in Benin City, Obaseki commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetoku, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, for their roles in promoting electoral integrity.
Governor Obaseki’s remarks come at a crucial time as the state gears up for the gubernatorial election, with the PDP aiming for a strong showing at the polls. He noted that the party is fully prepared for the upcoming election and confident in its chances of success. Obaseki urged party leaders and members to continue mobilizing support across the state, emphasizing the importance of a well-organized campaign to secure victory.
During his address, Obaseki acknowledged the positive statements coming from various security agencies, particularly appreciating the Inspector General of Police’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and level playing field for all candidates. The IGP’s efforts to deploy additional security personnel to Edo State ahead of the elections were also praised, as this move aims to bolster security and maintain order during the voting process. This commitment from the police is seen as a reassuring step towards a peaceful election, as concerns over potential unrest have been a point of discussion in the lead-up to the polls.
“We are thrilled with the current utterances from the security agencies in Nigeria. We especially commend the statement issued by the Inspector General of Police, which underscores their dedication to supporting the peace process. Ensuring a level playing field for all parties is crucial, and the deployment of more security personnel to Edo for Saturday’s elections is a welcome move,” Obaseki stated. His appreciation for the security forces’ involvement highlights the importance of a secure environment for conducting credible elections.
Governor Obaseki also expressed his satisfaction with INEC’s preparations for the election, noting that he has confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct a free and fair process. He urged party leaders to continue their efforts in mobilizing voters at the local level, encouraging citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. “We have every reason to trust the authorities of INEC and what they are committed to doing. Our leaders are out there, in various local governments, continuing to mobilize support for our candidate,” he said, demonstrating his confidence in the party’s readiness.
The governor assured that the PDP is leaving no stone unturned in its preparation for the election. He emphasized that the caucus meeting was an opportunity to ensure that all aspects of the campaign have been thoroughly covered, and any remaining gaps addressed. Obaseki reiterated the party’s determination to cross every “T” and dot every “I” ahead of the polls. This meticulous approach to election preparedness reflects the PDP’s commitment to running a comprehensive and effective campaign.
Additionally, Governor Obaseki addressed the situation concerning some of the party members detained in Abuja. He expressed hope that when the courts resume, those detained will be granted bail and allowed to return home to their families. Their participation in the democratic process is considered crucial by the party, and their release would signify a positive step towards fostering a more inclusive electoral environment. Obaseki mentioned that if these individuals are released, the party would consider signing the Peace Accord, signaling a commitment to peaceful conduct throughout the election.
Regarding speculations about a possible postponement of the election, Governor Obaseki dismissed the concerns, stating that the INEC Chairman has given assurances that the election will proceed as scheduled on September 21, 2024. This clarification was aimed at dispelling any doubts among the electorate and ensuring that voters remain engaged and ready to participate in the election. A firm commitment from INEC is vital in maintaining public trust in the electoral process, especially in a politically charged environment.
From the party’s standpoint, PDP Chairman in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemi, also spoke about the extensive deliberations held during the caucus meeting. He reiterated the party’s confidence in the programs and strategies put in place, emphasizing that the PDP is well-prepared for the election. Aziegbemi called on the people of Edo State to come out en masse to cast their votes, assuring them that the environment would be safe and that their participation is crucial for the democratic process. “Edo people should not be afraid to come out on September 21st to cast their votes. We believe that we are one, and nobody will come to hurt anybody. We are brothers and sisters in the polling units, and together we will make the right choice,” he stated.
The PDP in Edo State is rallying behind its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, with the belief that he stands out among the candidates in the gubernatorial race. The party’s confidence is built on what they view as a robust campaign strategy and a strong track record of governance under Obaseki’s leadership. The message from the party is clear: they are ready for the election, and they are calling on all Edo people to exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful and orderly manner.
In summary, the PDP in Edo State, led by Governor Obaseki, is gearing up for a crucial gubernatorial election with a sense of optimism and readiness. The positive engagement with national security agencies and INEC is seen as a promising sign for a credible electoral process. As the party intensifies its final push for voter mobilization, the focus remains on ensuring that the elections are conducted in a peaceful, free, and fair manner, allowing the people of Edo State to make their voices heard through the ballot box.
