#EdoDecides: Ighodalo accuses APC of vote-buying, vows landslide victory

Ighodalo

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Jethro Ibileke

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the Edo election, Asue Ighodalo, has expressed disappointment over the conduct of the polls after casting his vote alongside his wife, Ifeyinwa, at Okaigben Ward 1, Unit 3, Idinrio Primary School, Ewohimi.

Speaking to journalists, Ighodalo voiced concerns about delays in the election process, stating: “I am not happy with the delay in the arrival of voting materials. This is a single-state election, and INEC had ample time to prepare.”

He also accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to manipulate the electoral process, saying: “We are uncomfortable with the underhanded tactics coming from the APC camp. There are rumors that they are trying to undermine the election. Some have been caught with ballot papers and PVCs. Worse still, they are offering between ₦15,000 and ₦20,000 to buy votes, trying to subvert the process.”

Despite these challenges, Ighodalo remained confident of victory: “We will win this election by a landslide and move our state forward by God’s grace. If you’re still at home, please come out and cast your vote.”

He also praised the military’s conduct, saying: “The Nigerian military has made me proud. They have taken charge and demonstrated great responsibility in protecting the people. I am extremely proud.”

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When asked if he was concerned about the ongoing issues, Ighodalo expressed no fear of the outcome: “We are not worried. We have spent ten months engaging with the people, telling them what we will do if elected, and they have accepted us across the state.”

He noted that reports from different parts of the state had been overwhelmingly positive: “The numbers coming in from Edo North, Edo Central, and Edo South are overwhelming. In Nigeria, strange things can happen, but I don’t know what magic anyone would try to perform to change the will of the people.”

Ighodalo also reiterated his belief in INEC’s ability to deliver a free and fair election, stating: “I believe INEC will uphold a free and fair process until proven otherwise. We are confident of a hands-down victory.”

Addressing the arrest of one of his supporters, Ighodalo condemned the actions of the security forces: “One of our supporters was arrested in Uromi while trying to get accredited at his polling unit. It’s against the law to carry firearms into a polling unit, but some individuals are trying to intimidate our people. We won’t be intimidated.”

He further questioned the selective arrests of PDP supporters: “Why is it that only PDP supporters are being arrested? Every day, APC supporters are seen committing unimaginable acts, yet they go unpunished. Authorities need to ensure a fair playing field—this is getting out of hand, especially with the involvement of the police.”

Ighodalo ended by urging the authorities to uphold electoral fairness and allow the will of the people to prevail.