Edo Election: Oshiomhole dismisses allegation of vote-buying against APC

Former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole on Saturday dismissed the allegation that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was involved in vote buying in the ongoing governorship election in the state.

Oshiomhole stated this while speaking with newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Iyamho, Ward 10 Unit 01 in Estako West Local Government Area of Edo.

“It is laughable when I hear this kind of allegation. You all have been monitoring the process, have you seen where they are sharing money?

“People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they want good government.

“During our campaign, people came out to see me not because I wanted to give them something, but because of what I have done for them while I was in the office as the governor,” he said.

The former governor who is also the senator representing Edo North Senatorial District of the state, said he had not received any report of violence from anywhere across the state.

He expressed satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of the election across the state, while also commending the elderly ones for turning out to vote at the election.

According to him, their decision is borne out of their desire to see a better Edo for their children.

“I am very enthusiastic to see the elderly ones coming out to vote in this election.

“This shows their resolve to see their children having a better life,” he added.

Historic Turnout: Edo senior citizens flock to polls

Elderly residents of Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo, flocked to polling stations on Saturday to participate in the ongoing governorship election, making history with a record turnout of senior citizens.

Many were seen walking with the aid of crutches and walking sticks, while others received assistance from family members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the large turnout was largely driven by a strong motivation to support the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, a native of Ewohimi.

The scene was particularly heartwarming, as many elderly individuals expressed their determination to exercise their civic rights, with some having not voted in years.

Mr Honda Ikehide, the 91-year-old community head, said “I have lived long enough to know when something important is happening.

“Today, we are standing with our own.”

Similarly, Mr Wilson Bello shared, “It is a great day for us.

“Our people are united, especially our elderly, who understand the significance of this moment.

“Ewohimi has never seen this level of participation by our elderly population, and it is because we believe in the capacity and vision of our son, who is one of us.”

Bello said that the atmosphere was filled with optimism and a sense of shared purpose, as the community expressed hope for a brighter future with one of their own vying for a leadership position.

“Our turnout, in spite of the odds, is a testament to our resolve and desire for progress of Ewohimi and the state in general.

“This sentiment reflects the broader aspirations of the Esan people, who feel it’s their turn to produce the governor, given their significant contribution to Edo State,” he added.

Edo Election: EFCC storms polling units in Benin

The officials of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), on Saturday stormed polling units in Benin, the Edo State Capital in a bid to avert vote buying in the ongoing governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the operatives who were clad in their branded camouflage uniforms and vests combed the surroundings in and around the polling booths in search of vote buyers.

At the Oredo ward 1, domiciled at the former Garrick Memorial College, the operatives were seen combing even a dilapidated structure in the premises.

Meanwhile, some electorate have faulted the style of operation deployed by the EFCC in discharging their duty.

According to one Eric Elijah, the EFCC should have operated as undercover agents without wearing their uniforms or any of their paraphernalia.

“That way, they will be able to intercept vote buyers. But with the way  they came now, everyone knows that these are EFCC people, so even the vote buyers adjusted.”

Elijah also said that the operatives should have been at the polling booth much earlier to catch “red-handed” those indulging in the act.

On his expectations from the potential winner of the election, he said that the person should be magnanimous in victory as well as govern the state without fear or favour to anyone irrespective of the role of such a person in his emergence.

He also urged the prospective winner to ensure the delivery of dividends of democracy to the residents and be in constant touch with the grassroots.

Similarly, Mr Lugard Osaro, an Octogenarian said he expected the winner to build and consolidate on the achievements of the outgoing governor.

He commended the presence of the EFCC in the polling booth.

At Oredo ward 3, Ezomon Primary School, the electorate, noted that the operatives of the EFCC should have been at their various duty post on time.

They also emphasised the need for INEC to allow the vote of the people to count.