Edo Guber: Governor Alex Otti Urges Labour Party Supporters to Protect Their Votes

As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State approaches, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has made a passionate appeal to Labour Party (LP) supporters to remain vigilant and protect their votes.

Speaking at campaign rallies in Benin alongside Olumide Akpata, the LP’s gubernatorial candidate, Otti stressed the importance of ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the election results.

Governor Otti, who has firsthand experience with the challenges of securing electoral victories in Nigeria, urged supporters not to let their guard down during the voting and collation processes.

He recounted his own experiences in Abia State, where vigilance was key to safeguarding votes against manipulation. “In Abia State, we didn’t sleep for four days.

If you sleep, they will steal your votes,” Otti remarked, highlighting the necessity of constant oversight to prevent electoral fraud.

Otti called on young people, in particular, to play a proactive role in the election by staying at polling units after casting their votes.

He urged them to follow the results closely from the polling units through to the wards, local governments, and finally to the state collation centres.

This approach, according to Otti, is crucial in ensuring that the integrity of the electoral process is maintained, and that every vote is counted accurately.

The Abia State governor’s message resonated with many in the crowd, as he shared stories of perseverance and the collective effort required to overcome electoral challenges.

His presence at the rallies was seen as a significant boost for Akpata’s campaign, given Otti’s successful track record and his reputation for transparency and good governance in Abia State.

Olumide Akpata, the LP candidate for the Edo governorship election, is a prominent figure with a background in law and public service.

Paired with his running mate, Yusuf Kadiri, the duo represents a fresh approach to leadership in Edo State, advocating for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.

Governor Otti expressed his confidence in Akpata and Kadiri, describing them as the ideal team to address the challenges facing Edo State.

“Olumide Akpata and Yusuf Kadiri have the vision, the integrity, and the commitment to lead Edo State into a new era of prosperity and justice,” Otti declared.

Otti’s appeal also comes amidst concerns about the potential for electoral malpractice in the upcoming election.

Historically, elections in Nigeria have been marred by reports of vote-buying, ballot snatching, and other forms of manipulation.

Governor Otti’s call for vigilance is not only a precautionary measure but also a rallying cry for democratic integrity.

He reminded the audience that protecting their votes is not just about supporting a candidate but also about defending their democratic rights and the future of their state.

Moreover, Otti emphasised that the success of Labour Party candidates would signal a broader desire for change across Nigeria.

The Labour Party has been gaining momentum nationally, particularly among young and disillusioned voters who are seeking alternatives to the traditional political parties.

Otti’s message in Edo State is therefore part of a larger movement within the party to mobilise grassroots support and challenge the status quo.

The governor also took the opportunity to commend the dedication of Labour Party supporters, who he noted have consistently shown resilience and commitment despite numerous challenges.

He praised the volunteers, campaign workers, and everyday citizens who have been actively involved in the electoral process, urging them to continue their efforts to ensure a fair and credible election.

In concluding his address, Governor Otti reiterated the need for all voters to remain engaged throughout the election day.

He underscored that every stage of the voting process is critical, from the moment the ballots are cast to the final collation of results.

“We cannot afford to be complacent,” Otti warned. “This election is about the future of Edo State, and we must do everything within our power to protect it.”

As Edo State gears up for the governorship election, Governor Otti’s rallying cry serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of safeguarding democratic processes.

With the stakes high and the political atmosphere charged, his call for vigilance and active participation underscores the Labour Party’s commitment to ensuring that every vote counts.

The outcome of this election will not only shape the future of Edo State but will also reflect the strength of Nigeria’s democracy.