Edo Election: Gov Obaseki Issues Threat Of Serious Crisis, Calls Out APC

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has warned of a potential national crisis if the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not ensure a free and fair election in the upcoming September governorship poll in the state.

Obaseki made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, as disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare. Nehikhare condemned what he described as attempts by the APC to misrepresent Obaseki’s comments.

He accused the APC of attempting to use violence to influence the election outcome.

“The attention of the Edo State Government has been drawn to the negative spin that the opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is attempting to put on the comments made by His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, at a stakeholders meeting on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Benin City, the Edo State capital,” Nehikhare stated.

“For the record, we want to restate the governor’s comments: ‘If a free and fair election is not allowed to hold sway in Edo State on September 21, 2024, it will trigger a major crisis in Nigeria.'”

Nehikhare also recalled an incident on Thursday, July 18, 2024, when the APC gathered a large crowd near Benin Airport ahead of the rally to inaugurate the APC National Campaign Council. This gathering led to the unfortunate death of a police officer, Inspector Akor Onuh, from MOPOL 45 Abuja, as well as the destruction of property and injuries to several citizens conducting their lawful business.

“The mob then moved around the city, attacking other institutions, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) secretariat, inflicting violence and terror on the lawyers there. One lawyer, Mr. Israel Idahosa, was severely injured and his property destroyed,” Nehikhare added.