Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki yesterday called Saturday’s governorship poll to elect his successor as a do or die affair for his party, the PDP.
Speaking at the party’s rally held at Garrick Playground, opposite Ekenwan Campus of the University of Benin, Governor Obaseki said: “This election is do or die. If they do, we will die.
“Next week Saturday by this time, vote for the PDP to become the next governor.”
He said his immediate predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole, performed poorly.
His words: “When I took over office, our pensioners wore black on Labour Day. But today, they wear white.
“When I took office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?”
We’II protect votes with our blood – PDP Chairman
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Illiya Damagum, vowed that members of the party were prepared to defend PDP’s votes in the election with their blood.
He said the election would be a test for democracy.
“To INEC, I say we don’t want that midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant and make sure that it doesn’t happen,” he said
“And, we know they will rig the election. This is not a threat, but we are very serious and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.
“To the citizens of this country, please watch the election of Edo, it will be a test for our democracy. If they miss it here, it means they are looking for anarchy. We know they will attempt to do so, but we will resist them.”
We won’t allow rigging, Atiku warns
Atiku warned that rigging would not be allowed in the election.
“If you remember four years ago they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State,” he said.
“But what did we show them, we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?
“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.
“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.”
Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bauchi, Alhaji Bala Muhammed, said that contrary to speculations of division among PDP governors, they remained united.
The party’s candidate Asue Ighodalo said Obaseki has laid the foundation for the development of the state and he would continue from where he stopped.
PDP stalwarts at the rally included Governors Mohammed of Bauchi State,Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State,Senator Aba Moro, Chief Tom Ikimi, members of BOT, members of the State House of Assembly, House Representatives, among others.