With just 11 days left until the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, tensions are running high amid fears of violence and allegations of violent rigging plots between leading political parties. Recent incidents have raised concerns about the safety of electorates on election day.
Unresolved incidents, such as the July shooting death of a policeman near the Benin airport and the recent ambush and killing of a senior aide to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, have contributed to the growing unease.
Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) have traded blame and allegations of violence, including a recent incident where APC party members were allegedly attacked by persons dressed as masquerades and Okada riders.
The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, has also alleged that a senior politician mobilized suspected students to invade a university campus and disrupt his interactive session.
Despite the rising tension, the leading candidates, including Dr. Asue Ighodalo (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC), and Mr. Olumide Akpata (Labour Party), continue to campaign across the state. Other parties have pledged to support the APC, citing its capacity to drive development in the state.
