election will be won convincingly by Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The PDP National Campaign chairman who is also the Governor of Rivers
State made the assertion at the Grand Finale of the Edo PDP Campaign
held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Governor Wike said the convincing evidence on the ground has shown the
general acceptance of the party by the electorate.
He stated that with the achievements of the last four years, it would be
impossible for Governor Obaseki not to be declared the winner.
The Governor however urged the Edo people not to take things for granted
but turn out in large numbers to vote the candidate of PDP.
“By the grace of God, the election has been won by Governor Obaseki.
That does not mean that you’ll go and sleep. Everybody that wants to
fight godfatherism should come out to vote.
“Use Edo election to end godfatherism. Make sure you vote and be
vigilant too.
“I agree with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that
the election will be free and fair. Even the Inspector General of Police
has promised that nobody will rig the election. But do not leave the
polling units after casting your votes.
“Repeat the Rivers State Model. Let every woman wear jeans on election
day, cast, and defend your votes.
“Follow the votes to the Collation Centres. Do not go until INEC has
announced Godwin Obaseki as the winner,” he said.
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche
Secondus described the Edo election as a special one.
He said the election would determine the status of elective democracy in
Nigeria that is devoid of rigging.
“Let there be more restrictions for election riggers. Just like the
United States has done, I call on other democratic countries of the
world to rise to protect Nigeria’s democracy.
“We all know that Obaseki is a performing governor. He has impacted the
lives of the Edo people. Let their will prevail. Edo people should
resist all forms of godfatherism,” he stated.
In his speech, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, and Governor of
Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal urged the Edo people not to
sell their votes.
“I hear somebody said he will come to Edo with bullion vans. Stand firm
and do not sell your votes.
“I appeal to INEC to conduct a free and fair election. There should not
be intimidation of the electorate.
“Stay at your polling units. Ensure your votes are counted. Vote for
continuity,” he stated.
On his part, the Chairman of South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor
of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said nobody can cheat the PDP of
its votes because it is a majority party in Edo State.
” We are not afraid. Nobody will change the results or cheat us on
Saturday.
“You have done extensive campaign, from ward to ward. Pick your PVC on
Saturday, go to your polling units and cast your votes for PDP,” he
said.
Former Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP, Peter Obi also spoke and
urged the Edo electorate not to vote the APC candidate for the sake of
Nigeria.
According to him, we want Nigeria to be good and people like Obaseki
are trusted.
The mega rally was also attended by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye
Diri, and his Akwa-Ibom State counterpart, Emmanuel Udom.
Also in attendance were the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru
Fintiri, his Abia State counterpart, Okezie Ikpeazu, the Oyo State
Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Cross River State Governor, Professor
Benedict Ayade.
Other dignitaries that accompanied the Rivers State Governor were the
Former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, Former Deputy
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Austin Opara and the
Former Minister of Transport, Chief Abiye Sekibo.
