Oshiomhole Alleges Plot by PDP to Rig Edo Governorship Poll

Ahead of the July polls gubernatorial polls In Edo State, the State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP ) is plotting to disrupt the conducting of a free, fair and credible election.

 While the new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, Mr. Kassim Gairdam, has assured the people that all logistic problems would be resolved 10 days before the state governorship election, a governorship aspirant in the last PDP primaries in the state, Mr. Kenneth Imansuangbon, has thrown his weight behind Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), as the party’s candidate in the election.

But Oshiomhole, who was speaking at a fund raising dinner for his second term bid in Abuja, on Wednesday night, alleged that while his party- the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was busy trying to reach out to the people of the state, the PDP was busy fraternising with the presidency and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “…As we are working , presenting our report card, mobilising the people, insisting on one man one vote, our main opponent are not campaigning.

 They are in Abuja moving between INEC and the presidency rather than connecting to the people,” the governor said. According to him, “they are dropping news, intimidating the locals and boasting that the votes will not count.” But these antics, he insisted, will not deter his party from defeating the ruling party, as he said, “we are tested fighters and we are long distance runners. Our people are very ready to defend one man, one vote, one woman, one vote.” He explained that his bid for second tenure in office “is not a struggle to keep me in office, but a struggle to keep the dark forces out of Edo State.

 I am sure that the light we have lit is on, that those who cannot claim the future are not allowed to compromise it and that together we must make a bold statement that this our country and we cannot be treated as if we are tenants.” “The future belongs to all of us. And for people like me I have nothing else to live for but Nigeria, to stand on the side of the truth and to speak the truth to all. From the age of 17 I conquered fear and therefore cannot be intimidated by all the armies in the world,” the governor emphasised.

 “For some of us we can’t run out of this country and we are not ready to lament the past, rather we are ready to organise and mobilise to ensure that tomorrow is better than yesterday. So whatever you are able to contribute to this struggle, is appreciated.” On his part, Gaidam said about 20 INEC commissioners would be in attendance. He announced this during a familiarisation visit to the Edo State council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Benin City, disclosing that the election would have the highest local and foreign observers.

 Meanwhile, Imansuangbon who addressed journalists in Lagos Thursday, said that after due consultations with his supporters and his utmost belief in the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, he has made up his mind as a loyal member of the party to work for the party’s victory in the next month’s governorship election in the state. “I joined PDP at a time many had abandoned the party, but I was not daunted by the situation, rather I joined hand in rebuilding the party. That was how we brought the party where it is today in the state. So there is no way I can leave a house I was part of the major builders.

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