A former governor of Edo State, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole, has urged Governor Godwin Obaseki and the People Democratic Party candidate in the September 21 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, to bury any thought of rigging the election.
Oshiomhole, who spoke on Saturday at the APC’s ward-to-ward campaign in Benin, also urged party members and supporters to be vigilant against threats to the peaceful conduct of the election.
He also said that if the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, is elected, some of Obaseki’s policies, like the partial demolition of the Central Hospital to make space for the Museum for West African Art, the privatisation of the Edo Specialist Hospital, and other policies and projects, will be investigated.
However, on Sunday, the Deputy Director General of Media and Publicity of the ASue/Ogie Campaign Management Council, Olu Martin, said Oshiomhole should stop making baseless allegations. He was not a better governor than Obaseki, while Ighodalo remains the best candidate to win the election.
Oshiomhole said, “I call on members of the APC and its supporters to be vigilant and brace for emerging threats against the peaceful and credible conduct of the Edo State gubernatorial election on September 21.
“There was an attempt by a confident woman caught with packs of Permanent voters Card (PVC) in Ovia federal Constituency and voter suppression linked to the ongoing PVC’s collection in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the State.
“I must ask Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo to bury any thought of rigging. It cannot happen.
“Don’t dance too much and allow them to compromise the electoral process by stealing PVCs and denying you the chance to vote. We will defend those rights. We will do so peacefully in a civilised manner.
Senator Oshiomhole stated, “Now, what is at stake in this election is much more than you can easily understand.”
He added, “The APC would make Edo Specialist Hospital accessible to all residents, and the next government would carry out a comprehensive audit on the privatisation regarding the hospital administration and management as well as ensure that culprits behind the alleged fraudulent deal that make healthcare accessible only to the rich are prosecuted.
Martins said that the APC and its leader, Oshiomhole, have a history of lying and corruption.
He said, “I recall the chaotic and brutal administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from 2008 to 2016, with high violence and corruption.
“He betrayed campaign organisers, and the misuse of public funds was widespread under him, and he has a penchant for presenting mediocre candidates.
“His betrayal and political deception are captured in a book by the current Director of Media and Publicity, APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-ojo, titled “Breach of Trust”, who was a Commissioner under Oshiomhole.
“The book is a comprehensive record of political betrayal and deception, with quotes from the commissioner criticising Oshiomhole’s leadership.
“As against Oshiomhole’s so-called legacy, Governor Obaseki’s achievements are well documented. He established factories, refineries, and an independent power plant, which would outlive his tenure.
“Obaseki places importance on education and technology with significant improvements in literacy and numeracy skills while his economic and social benefits include the development of retail stores and the implementation of a 30-year development plan for the state.
“The press should scrutinise and question the ability of the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, known for his mysterious nature.
“The candidates should be made to tell us what they have for Edo people in a debate so that candidate can be held responsible based on their promises.”
