- Obaseki describes Edo governorship election as “do or die,” alleging police bias and APC plans to influence outcome
- PDP refuses to sign Peace Accord, citing police detentions of members without evidence and concerns about political situation
Governor Godwin Obaseki has described the upcoming Edo governorship election on September 21 as a “do or die” affair. His statement came just two days after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign a Peace Accord before the election.
During a visit by former military Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Obaseki alleged that the police, who are expected to enforce the Peace Accord, were instead working in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He claimed that 10 PDP members, including a local government chairman, had been detained without sufficient evidence.
Obaseki expressed concerns about the political situation in Edo State, drawing comparisons to the heated 2020 election. He stated, “This is the first time we are witnessing that the entity supposed to maintain and enforce the peace accord is now actively creating a destructive environment.” He further alleged that the APC planned to use federal power to influence the election outcome, citing recent police actions as evidence.
Addressing supporters in Oredo Local Government Area during the PDP’s campaign grand finale, Obaseki declared the election a critical battle for the future of Edo. “This election is a do or die. Do you want insecurity? Do you want people who didn’t go to school to lead us? Next Saturday, you will vote for PDP, and our next governor is Asue Ighodalo,” he said.
Earlier, Obaseki welcomed top APC leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, to Edo for the grand finale of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s campaign. Key figures from the ruling party, such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and several governors and lawmakers, were present for the event.