As the Edo State gubernatorial election draws near, the Labour Party (LP) has appealed to voters to disregard intimidating comments from certain political figures. With tensions running high, the party’s chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, has dismissed these remarks as “worthless propaganda” and urged the electorate to come out in large numbers to vote on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Over 2.2 million registered voters in Edo State are expected to cast their ballots to choose a new governor, with three main contenders vying for the position. Senator Monday Okpebholo is the candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asue Ighodalo is running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Olumude Akpata represents the Labour Party (LP).

The political atmosphere in Edo State has been charged ever since the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, made a series of controversial statements about the upcoming election. Obaseki, whose tenure is ending, has thrown his full support behind PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, his preferred successor. During a campaign rally in Oredo Local Government Area, Obaseki described the election as a “do or die” affair, a comment that has sparked widespread concern and criticism.

In his speech, the governor said, “This election is a do-or-die. Do you want insecurity? Do you want people that didn’t go to school to lead us? Next Saturday is the election, you will vote for PDP and our next governor is Asue Ighodalo.” Despite the public outcry over his remarks, Obaseki doubled down during a television interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, where he insisted, “It’s a do-or-die affair because if they do, we die.”

These remarks have caused alarm among voters, with many interpreting them as a signal of potential violence or unrest on election day. For a sitting governor to describe an election in such terms has raised fears about safety and the integrity of the process, with some questioning whether the election will be free and fair.

Many residents of Edo State are now worried that violence could mar the election. In an interview with DAILY POST, Henry Osariemen, a concerned voter, expressed his apprehension. “Many people are not ready to go and vote tomorrow. This is because politicians have already declared war, and nobody wants the war to consume him,” he said.

Osariemen further noted that the tension is not just from the public statements but also from behind-the-scenes actions by political actors. He recounted an attempted attack on a federal lawmaker, Hon Prince Okojie, at his home, which was only foiled by security personnel. “If they can do that to a serving federal lawmaker, who are we? People will be killed, and nobody will ask the governor any questions,” Osariemen lamented.

The fear of violence has led many eligible voters to consider staying home rather than risking their safety. This concern is particularly troubling given that Edo State has seen instances of election-related violence in the past, with political thuggery and intimidation often employed as tools to suppress voter turnout.

Despite the charged atmosphere, the Labour Party is urging voters not to be swayed by Governor Obaseki’s statements or the fears of violence. In a press briefing, the party’s state chairman, Kelly Ogbaloi, condemned the governor’s remarks and encouraged voters to participate fully in the democratic process.

Ogbaloi characterized Obaseki’s “do or die” rhetoric as nothing more than a scare tactic designed to intimidate voters and disenfranchise them. “It is a worthless propaganda put out there by these ones to call for a ‘do or die’. We advise and encourage our electorates to dismiss that and come out en-mass and vote,” Ogbaloi said. He reassured voters that the Labour Party is fully prepared for the election and has taken steps to ensure that it will be conducted peacefully and fairly.

Ogbaloi also expressed confidence in the Labour Party’s chances, stating that their candidate, Olumude Akpata, has widespread support across the state. He emphasized that the party has a “broad perspective” and is in a strong position to win the election if voters turn out in large numbers.

The Labour Party’s call to action underscores the importance of voter participation in the upcoming election. Elections are a cornerstone of democracy, and the right to vote is one of the most powerful tools citizens have to shape the future of their state and country. In Edo, this election will determine who leads the state for the next four years, and each vote counts.

It’s crucial for voters to not let fear dictate their decisions. Political threats and intimidation are often used to suppress votes, but as Ogbaloi pointed out, these tactics should be seen for what they are – attempts to manipulate the electorate. Voting, in large numbers, can send a strong message that the people will not be swayed by fear or propaganda.

As the Edo gubernatorial election approaches, the stakes are undeniably high. However, peace and fairness should remain at the forefront of the process. The Labour Party has taken a stand against the “do or die” rhetoric and is encouraging all voters to participate without fear. By voting, Edo citizens can ensure that the leadership of their state is determined by the will of the people, not by threats or intimidation.

The eyes of the nation are on Edo State, and it is vital that this election serves as a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.