As the Edo State governorship election approaches, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Hon. Roland Oyibo, has called on Governor Godwin Obaseki and the voters in Edo State to remain resolute, defend their votes, and not be intimidated......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Oyibo urged voters to ensure their voices are heard and their choice respected within the boundaries of the law.
In a media chat on Thursday at his office in Ughelli, Delta State, Oyibo emphasized that if Edo voters stand firm in defense of their votes, their preferred candidate will emerge victorious. He also appealed to security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to maintain neutrality and ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election, free from manipulation or intimidation of opposition parties or the electorate.
Hon. Oyibo expressed confidence in his party, stating that the PDP has fielded the best candidate for the Edo governorship race. He stressed that a transparent election would lead to a PDP victory and urged INEC and security agencies to respect the democratic process and allow Edo people to freely choose their next leader.
“The policies of the APC-led federal government have caused immense suffering for Nigerians,” Oyibo said. “It is only natural that the people of Edo will reject the APC and choose a better future by voting for the PDP candidate, who is the best man for the job.”
He further urged Governor Obaseki, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to stand his ground and not be swayed by potential intimidation from the FCT Minister, INEC, the police, or other agencies. He encouraged the governor to use all legal avenues to safeguard the will of the people and ensure the protection of PDP votes.
Quoting former governor Nyesom Wike, Oyibo reiterated, “Anyone planning to rig an election is an armed robber and should be treated as such. If you’re coming to rig the election, prepare your will before you embark on the journey. Inform your loved ones and say your last prayer.”
Oyibo called on all stakeholders in Edo to resist any acts of intimidation and urged Edo citizens to come out en masse and vote for the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who he described as the best person to lead the state. “Edo State cannot afford to bring the APC-induced economic hardship at the federal level upon themselves,” he added.
He also called on INEC, the police, and other security agencies to act as impartial arbiters and ensure that the election reflects the true will of the people. “Anything short of a free and fair election should be strongly resisted by the good people of Edo State,” Oyibo warned.