In a strong warning ahead of the Edo State governorship election, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has cautioned against any attempts to manipulate the election results. He made this statement during the PDP’s final campaign rally in Ekemwan, Edo State, urging voters to stand firm and protect their votes.
Atiku emphasized that Edo is not like Lagos, where, according to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has allegedly been able to rig elections in the past. He warned the APC that such tactics would not work in Edo State and encouraged citizens to ensure that their votes are counted fairly.
As Edo State prepares to head to the polls next Saturday, the stakes are high. The people of Edo will choose their next governor from a lineup of candidates, with three main contenders leading the race. Asue Ighodalo from the PDP, Monday Okpebholo from the APC, and Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party (LP) are all vying for the position.
Atiku’s call to action for voters to protect their votes resonates strongly, as past elections have shown how crucial it is for voters to be vigilant and engaged. The governorship election in Edo will serve as a critical test of Nigeria’s democracy, with the eyes of the nation watching closely to see if it will be conducted fairly.
Atiku said,
“If you remember four years ago they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State.
“But what did we show them, ‘we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?
“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.
“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.
“You are winning next week, do you agree? ‘Edo no be Lagos”
The upcoming election is not only a significant moment for Edo State but also for Nigeria’s political landscape, as it will reflect the people’s desire for transparent and credible elections.
