As the 2024 Edo State governorship election approaches, former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has issued a strong warning against any attempt to manipulate the election process.
Addressing a crowd at the grand finale of the PDP’s governorship campaign rally in the Ekemwan area of Edo State, Atiku cautioned that Edo is not Lagos, implying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not be able to rig the election as he claimed they did in Lagos.
Atiku’s comments come amid heightened political tensions in the state as the electorate prepares to head to the polls to choose their next governor.
The race is set to be highly competitive, with Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) emerging as the key contenders. With so much at stake, Atiku used his platform to rally support for the PDP while warning that any attempts to tamper with the electoral process would be met with resistance.
Atiku drew on the political history of Edo State, reminding the people of their success in defying external pressures in past elections.
He recalled the events of four years ago when the PDP faced similar challenges from the APC. “If you remember four years ago, they threatened us, didn’t they do that?” Atiku asked the crowd.
“They said they wouldn’t allow us to win in Edo State. But what did we show them? We showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,” he said, using the local expression to emphasise Edo’s political independence.
This reference to Lagos is particularly significant. Lagos State has been under the control of the APC and its predecessors for decades, and there have been widespread accusations of election manipulation.
By drawing this contrast, Atiku sought to energise his supporters and encourage them to remain vigilant.
Atiku’s speech was not just a critique of the APC but also a call to action for Edo voters. He urged the people of Edo State to not only cast their votes but also to protect them.
“They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes,” he said, highlighting the importance of active participation in safeguarding the integrity of the election.
He went further, outlining a step-by-step guide for voters: “Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced,” he instructed, adding, “If you do that, no Jupiter will come and change your votes.”
Atiku’s message was clear: victory would not be handed to the PDP on a silver platter, but with collective effort and vigilance, the will of the people could prevail.
His call for vigilance reflects growing concerns across Nigeria about electoral transparency.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made strides in improving the election process, allegations of vote buying, ballot box snatching, and result manipulation continue to mar elections across the country. In response, Atiku urged the electorate to take personal responsibility for ensuring the process is fair.
The Edo State governorship election is of critical importance, not only for the state but also for the wider political landscape of Nigeria. Edo has often been seen as a battleground state, with both the PDP and APC having strong support bases.
The outcome of this election will likely have broader implications for the 2027 national elections, especially as both major parties continue to jostle for dominance in key regions.
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s candidate, is up against formidable opponents in Monday Okpebholo of the APC and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party. Each candidate brings a different vision for Edo State, and their campaigns have focused on issues ranging from economic development and infrastructure to education and healthcare. For the PDP, a victory in Edo would represent a continuation of its recent successes in Southern Nigeria, while for the APC, reclaiming Edo would signify a resurgence of its influence in the region.
Although not a candidate in the Edo governorship election, Atiku’s involvement in the PDP’s campaign underscores his enduring influence in Nigerian politics.
As a former Vice President and one of the leading figures in the PDP, his support is seen as crucial for galvanising the party’s base.
His warnings against election rigging also reflect his broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic process, concerns he has raised repeatedly following the 2023 presidential election, in which he was a major contender.
Atiku’s endorsement of Asue Ighodalo signals the PDP’s commitment to maintaining control of Edo State, and his involvement adds weight to the party’s campaign.
His presence in the final stages of the campaign also demonstrates the importance the PDP places on this election as part of its broader strategy to strengthen its position ahead of future national contests.
As the people of Edo State prepare to head to the polls, Atiku Abubakar’s rallying cry serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in this election.
His warning against rigging and his call for voters to defend their votes resonate with concerns about the integrity of elections in Nigeria. Edo’s history of political independence and defiance, as highlighted by Atiku, will be put to the test once again.
The outcome of the election will not only determine the next governor of Edo State but also shape the political dynamics of the region and potentially influence future national elections.
As Atiku said, “Edo no be Lagos,” but only time will tell if Edo voters can once again assert their political will in the face of external pressures.
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