Tensions are rising in Edo State as Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo, made provocative statements during a recent campaign event in Egor, Benin City.

In support of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo, Olaye’s remarks have sparked controversy ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

A video that has since gone viral captures Olaye confidently assuring PDP supporters of victory, specifically predicting that Egor will be won by the PDP.

However, it was his subsequent comment that has caused a significant stir: Olaye warned that the state “will burn” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not declare Ighodalo the winner of the upcoming poll.

These remarks have raised concerns about the potential for unrest dependent on the election results, with various stakeholders calling for calm and a focus on democratic processes rather than incendiary rhetoric.

Olaye said, “I want to assure you that PDP, our party, is going to win Egor 80 percent come 21st of this month and on 22nd of this month, they must declare Asue Ighodalo the winner.

“If they refuse to do that, Edo state will burn.”

His comments come on the heels of allegations and counter allegations by parties.

In one of the scenarios, the state PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said it has uncovered plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use fake INEC staff who would be posing as technical staff to tamper with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Media Director of APC Campaign Council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, however dismissed the allegation.

Watch the video below: