Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, has declared the upcoming governorship election in the state “a do-or-die affair”.
The Edo state off-cycle gubernatorial election is slated to be held on September 21.
Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) are the main contenders in the election.
Speaking at the PDP grand finale rally in the Ekenwan area of Benin City, the state capital, Obaseki berated Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor, for performing below par during his tenure.
“The person I took over from had no respect for our people, had no respect for women, encouraged prostitution and women’s trafficking,” Obaseki said.
“When I took over office, our pensioners wore black on Labor Day, but today they wear white.
“When I took office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?
“This election is do or die; if they do, we will die. Next week Saturday by this time, vote for the PDP to become the next governor.”
On Thursday, political parties and their candidates in Edo signed the peace accord to allow for a free and fair election in the state, although the PDP declined to sign the agreement.