Edodecides: PDP won’t get a single vote in my polling unit
…APC candidate boasts The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the ongoing Edo State governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, has boasted that none of his opponents, including the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, will get a single vote at Unit 03, Ward 1, Uwessan, Esan Central LGA in Edo. Mr Okpebholo stated this after casting his ballot on Saturday. He said, “PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me.” He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying, “What I’m seeing here is like a testimony that INEC is getting it right.” When asked to comment on his impression on security deployment for the election, the APC candidate said, “I know that everything they are saying about security – this, that – is ‘hyping’. I mean, nothing is happening. You can see! Nobody is fighting. No knockout, no stick of matches. So is just for people to scare people away from voting”. “You know Obaseki wanted to cause fire in Edo State, but by the grace of God, everything is moving perfect.”
Edo 2024 Guber Update: Voting Begins Amid Tight Security
The 2024 governorship election in Edo State has officially commenced, marked by a significant security presence and varying reports regarding the arrival of INEC officials and voter turnout across different polling units. INEC Officials Arrive Late at Some Polling Units At 7:43 a.m., INEC officials arrived at Unit 18, Oghede Ward 10, located at Oghede Secondary School on Ekenhuan Road in Egor Local Government Area. Despite the officials’ timely arrival, only a small number of voters were present at the polling unit. In stark contrast, by 8:39 a.m., Units 7 to 10 in Ward 1 at Ezoti Primary School, Oredo Local Government Area, reported a large turnout of voters. However, INEC officials had not yet arrived. Security operatives were on-site to maintain order and ensure the safety of the gathering electorate. Smooth Voting Process Amid Low Turnout By 8:51 a.m., voting commenced at Units 19 to 28, Ward 4, Emokpae Primary School in Oredo LGA, where the electoral process was proceeding smoothly. However, at Unit 41, Ward 4, located along Idahosa Lane on Mission Road, INEC officials were present but reported no voters at the polling unit. Staff expressed concerns regarding the absence of security personnel at this location. Reports from Unit 36, Ward 4 at Evbiemwen indicated that by 9:11 a.m., both INEC officials and security operatives were present, yet voters had not yet arrived. A similar situation was observed at Unit 32, Ward 4, on Ero Street, Wire Road in Oredo LGA, where voting was ongoing under the watchful eye of security personnel, although turnout remained modest. Continued Presence of Security Operatives By 9:30 a.m., INEC officials finally arrived at Unit 31, Ward 4, Azama Street on Wire Road in Oredo LGA. While security operatives maintained law and order throughout the polling units visited, voter turnout across these locations remained low. Across all polling units monitored, there was a heavy presence of security operatives both within and around the voting areas, ensuring that the election process proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner as citizens exercised their democratic rights. There have also been few incidents of alleged vote buying by some party agents. As the day progresses, further updates on voter turnout and election proceedings are anticipated. Security Threats Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Asue Ighodalo has raised an alarm over security threats during the ongoing gubernatorial elections in Edo State. He alleged that the police had arrested a party member in Ward 8 Unit 3. “In Uromi unit 3, one of our supporters was arrested there about an hour ago by men in mufti carrying guns. Nobody should carry guns into a polling unit. That is against the law. But you just see people behaving indiscriminately, oppressing and trying to intimidate our folks,” he said.
Ize-Iyamu Withdraws From Edo Governorship Race
All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship aspirant, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the Edo State gubernatorial race, barely 24 hours to the party’s primary election. Ize-Iyamu announced his withdrawal on Friday, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin, the State capital. The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and copied to the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe. Ize-Iyamu described the decision as painful but stated it has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. He further pledged that he and his teeming supporters would support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow. Read the full text of the withdrawal letter: “Few montha ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political assonates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude. “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commended the effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public. “Having being cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels. “I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo state to accept my decision which I very personal and I promise to be there for them at all times. “Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s National leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to the state working committee for their principled stand to allow a level playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organization who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage. “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow.”
Former Speaker Bright Omokhodion withdraws from APC governorship race
The former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bright Omokhodion, has officially withdrawn from the race for the governorship on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Omokhodion, a top-level contender from Edo Central Senatorial District, announced his decision citing gross discontent with the screening committee’s skewed screening process of APC governorship candidates. The withdrawal was made public in a statement personally signed by Omokhodion. His words: “Compatriots, I wish you a blessed season’s best. It has become imperative to inform you that due to my gross discontent with the SKEWED screening process of APC governorship candidates by the screening committee, I am withdrawing from the 2024 Edo Governorship race. “This decision is purely the outcome of consultation with my campaign team; we have jumped many hurdles and impediments in our quest but regrettably reached this decision after a stormy meeting. “I must thank all of you for sharing in my vision and desire for a greater and productive Edo of our dreams. I will in due course advise our followers of the next line of action, while we continue to support the aspirations of my party, APC. “Once again, thank you for keeping the SMILES-VISION project alive.”
Edo: Obaseki Supports My Governorship Bid, Says Philip Shaibu
Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has revealed that his principal, Godwin Obaseki is proud of him and is in support of his Governorship Bid. NIGERIAN ANCHOR recalls that Shaibu, on Monday officially declared his intention to run for the gubernatorial election in 2024 In a press conference held in Benin, he expressed confidence in securing the PDP ticket, asserting his dedication as a committed party member. During a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, Shaibu addressed assumptions about his candidacy, stating his firm belief in securing the party’s nomination. He highlighted the attempts to pressure him out of the PDP, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to service and his refusal to succumb to such tactics. Shaibu acknowledged Governor Godwin Obaseki’s support, affirming that he has diligently fulfilled every assignment given to him. However, he candidly admitted that declaring his gubernatorial ambition was the only perceived misstep. Asserting his dedication to serving the people and his loyalty to the party, Shaibu emphasized his role as a team player, motivated not solely by personal gain but by the collective interests of the populace. “They tried to push me out of the PDP. They did everything. They even announced that I would be declaring a particular day. And the day they announced I would be declaring, I was actually with my family enjoying my vacation. “The Governor is proud of me…there’s no assignment I have been given that I haven’t done well. What I have done (wrong) is say that I want to be the state’s governor.”
Just In: Edo Deputy Gov, Philip Shaibu Declares Governorship Bid
Amid mounting speculations, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has formally announced his bid to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki as the Governor of Edo State in the upcoming 2024 election. In a televised address on Monday, Shaibu expressed his firm resolve, stating, “With great conviction and dedication, I declare my intention to contest for the office of Governor of Edo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming 2024 election. Together, with your support, we can steer Edo State to unprecedented progress.” Shaibu outlined a comprehensive vision centered on five key pillars crucial for the advancement and prosperity of Edo State during his campaign. Following his announcement, Shaibu inaugurated his campaign headquarters in Benin City, the state capital, signaling the commencement of his gubernatorial campaign. Last week, the Philip Shaibu Campaign Organisation issued invitations, inviting dignitaries to witness Shaibu’s formal declaration to serve as the Chief Servant (Governor) of Edo State. Shaibu’s candidacy sets the stage for a potential political battle against Governor Obaseki, who is reportedly supporting an alternative candidate for the state’s leadership. Recent months have witnessed escalating tensions between Shaibu and Obaseki, hinting at a fierce electoral contest in the run-up to the 2024 elections.