As the Edo State governorship election approaches on September 21, 2024, the political atmosphere has become increasingly charged. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) are embroiled in a heated confrontation, with each side accusing the other of plotting electoral misconduct. At the center of these accusations is former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, whom the PDP claims is orchestrating plans to rig the election in favor of the APC, particularly in polling units near his hometown of Iyamho.
During a press conference held in Benin City, Chris Nehikhare, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, elaborated on the allegations. He asserted that Oshiomhole had arranged for the Commander of Mobile Police Force Unit 60 to provide security cover for polling units in Iyamho, allowing the former governor and his supporters to manipulate the voting process. “We are aware of plans that have already been concluded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole… to thumbprint all the ballot papers for APC, leaving other parties with no chances of getting fair votes,” Nehikhare claimed. He referenced similar tactics employed during the last election in 2020, which had resulted in discrepancies between the number of accredited voters and the votes cast.
Nehikhare went further to allege that APC agents were involved in the production of police uniforms and masks to disguise thugs who would intimidate voters and disrupt the electoral process in areas where the APC anticipated poor performance. “Having confirmed that they cannot win in Okpella, Lampese, Fugar, Ibillo, and Agenebode, the APC has concluded plans to use thugs veiled in those masks and police uniforms,” he stated, detailing how these thugs would be stationed in strategic locations to thwart a fair voting process.
In Egor Local Government Area, Nehikhare reported that APC operatives were gathering thugs under the guise of law enforcement, threatening to disrupt the electoral process. He specifically mentioned that a House of Representatives member had engaged around 200 militants to impede election materials and officials in the riverine areas of the state.
Responding to these serious allegations, the Director of Publicity for the Edo APC Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, dismissed the PDP’s claims as unfounded and a product of “horrific hallucinations.” He accused the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, of fabricating stories to distract from their campaign shortcomings. Omo-Ojo described the PDP’s calls for external support as desperate, comparing them to a man who sets his house on fire and seeks help from neighbors. He emphasized that the APC’s intention was to unseat the PDP in the upcoming election through legitimate means rather than violence.
The political tension intensified with the allegations that the PDP was attempting to thwart the election process through fear-mongering. Omo-Ojo pointed out that the actions of the PDP indicated their intention to use intimidation tactics rather than engaging in a fair electoral contest. He claimed that the statements made by Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo reflected an underlying fear of defeat, further asserting that the APC was prepared to campaign vigorously for victory.
Additionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed calls for the removal of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Anugbum Onuoha, following concerns raised by PDP officials regarding his previous position under former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike. The PDP expressed doubts about Onuoha’s impartiality, citing his connections to Wike as a potential conflict of interest. However, Wike defended Onuoha, asserting his capability to conduct the election fairly, regardless of familial or political ties.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, urged the PDP to focus on the electoral process rather than the personnel involved, affirming that the election would be conducted transparently across 4,519 polling units. He assured all parties that INEC would provide a level playing field for the election, stating, “INEC does not rig elections.” He emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process, reminding stakeholders that the focus should remain on the election itself.
As the election date draws near, candidates from various parties are preparing for a contest that promises to be fierce. Among the leading candidates are Asue Ighodalo from the PDP, Senator Monday Okpebholo from the APC, and Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party. The political landscape in Edo State remains fraught with tension and uncertainty, with both the electorate and candidates keenly observing the unfolding events.
In a related development, Akpata criticized Ighodalo and Okpebholo for their absence at a recent governorship debate organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Election Debate Group. He condemned their failure to engage with voters directly, suggesting that their evasiveness reflects a lack of accountability and a reliance on underhanded tactics rather than substantive policy discussions.
As Edo State prepares for this pivotal election, the implications of the ongoing disputes and allegations may significantly impact voter sentiment and the overall electoral process. The call for transparency and fairness resonates among the electorate, who are eager to participate in shaping the future of their state.
