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.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the security agencies to monitor electioneering campaigns in Edo to prevent violence in the state.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said this on Thursday at the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) meeting in Abuja in preparation for Edo and Ondo governorship elections.

Yakubu urged the security agencies to ensure that the laws were enforced during the electioneering campaign to avoid the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities.

“Campaign in public by political parties in Edo commenced on Wednesday, April 24 and will end at midnight on Thursday, Sept. 19 i.e. 24 hours before the date fixed for the election as provided by law.

“I urge you to keep your eyes on the electioneering process with a view to preventing violent attacks or negative mobilisation by political parties, candidates and their supporters during their campaigns.

“Similarly, the use of the power of incumbency to deny opposition parties and candidates access to public facilities such as radio and television stations, public buildings for campaigns and rallies or even outdoor advertising through the imposition of excessive fees and levies often result in the breach of the peace.

“These actions, including the mutual destruction of campaign materials and facilities, violate the provisions of Sections 91 to 97 of the Electoral Act 2022. The security agencies have a duty to ensure the enforcement of the law,’’ Yakubu said.

He also called for adequate security measures for the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Edo and Ondo.

He said that the exercise would take in 397 registration centres in the two states, comprised of 192 ward registration centres in Edo and 203 centres in Ondo, in addition to INEC state offices in Benin and Akure.

Yakubu, also the co-chairman of ICCES, said that INEC needed security protection for the registrants, registration personnel, equipment, observers and journalists that would cover the exercise from May 27 to June 5 in the two states.

The INEC chairman also called for a conducive environment for the peaceful conclusion of outstanding by-elections in Enugu and Kano states.

“Following consultations with stakeholders, the commission is remobilising to conclude the outstanding re-run elections in Enugu South 1 State Constituency of Enugu State and Ghari (formerly known as Kunchi Local Government Area) for the Ghari/Tsanyawa State Constituency of Kano State.

“Similarly, I would like to inform you of vacancies in four States of the federation that will necessitate by-elections in three State Assembly constituencies and one Federal Constituency, as a result of the death or resignation of members.

“As soon as necessary preparations are concluded, the Commission will announce the dates for bye-elections in Khana 2 State Constituency of Rivers State.

“The Bagwai/Shanono State constituency of Kano State, the Zaria Kewaye State Constituency of Kaduna State and the Garki/Babura Federal Constituency of Jigawa State.

“Again, we look forward to working with the security agencies to secure the environment for peaceful elections,’’ he said.

On his party, the National Security Adviser and Co-Chair of ICCESS, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, urged the head of security agencies to be strategic in the deployment of personnel for the election.

Ribadu, represented by Malam Hassan Abdullahi, the Director, Internal Security, NSA Office, commended the performance of the agencies in the 2023 general election and added the same was expected of them in the forthcoming election.

“I want to add that we should be a bit more careful in our deployment in terms of the numbers so that we will not overburden the system,’’ Ribadu said.

The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of various Security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies in the country.

(NAN)