Political parties in Lagos State closed their campaigns for tomorrow's House of Assembly and the remainder of the rescheduled federal legislative elections with a call on their supporters to shun violence.
In Ikorodu, leaders of the CNPP, at meeting "unanimously decided to endorse the candidature of Hon. Abike Dabiri - Erewa for the house of Representatives in to continue in her giving us a credible representation that she has been doing for the past two-terms."
"We did same for BRF and it is essentially expedient for us as to also do it for you as party leaders Resident in Ikorodu to allow for continuity of the good works you have started," they added.
Abike-Dabiri is off the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
The Campaign Organisation of Mr. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro, the Peoples' Democratic (Party's) candidate for Etio-Osa II state constituency described as defeatist, "a last minute resort to blackmail by the ACN which alleges that Obanikoro is under-aged and therefore not eligible for the office he seeks in tomorrow's House of Assembly election."
A statement by Seun Sonoiki, Obanikoro's campaign manager said that the candidate, PDP and the campaign organisation were "not stunned by the latest trend which came at the deadline of campaigns for political parties as instructed by the Electoral Act, but are however amused that the opposition party has refused to turn away from its old tricks."
It added: "The campaign group noted that the latest move by the ACN is indicative of the fact that the ACN is jittery and cannot confidently go to the polls to challenge Obanikoro whose campaign machinery is evidently on the ground and would crush without hesitating, the ACN which it stated has zero presence in the area.
"Much as we want to refrain from seeing this as a renewal of old battle odiously extended to the scion of the Obanikoro, we are equally not oblivious of the detestably vindictive tendencies of the ACN and its innate desperation for power which often contrast with its clamour for a progressive Lagos.
"We consider the allegations another fathomless bluster by the ACN. We say unequivocally that the allegations are unfounded, mischievous and defeatist, both in conception and its aftermath effect. Our candidate remains resolute in his determination to offer quality representation that would end years of mediocrity the opposition party had foisted on the people."
While drawing the attention of the people of Eti-Osa to some hate Short Message Service (SMS), often referred to as text messages making the rounds, the campaign group added: "We are particularly not worried because the people are familiar with ACN's stock in trade. Unfortunately however, it is laughable that they talk about fraud in some of the text messages; what fraud can be greater than foisting incompetent hands- lacking in required intellectual and basic credentials on the people?
"The ACN should admit that its days of mediocrity are numbered on the horizon. That they could not design a repeat of the irregularities that overshadowed the National Assembly election during the presidential poll of penultimate weekend is a cause for concern for them, hence they have resorted to a-last-minute blackmail. Sadly, they have failed in this moribund onslaught as they would fail in any other they spin either now or in the nearest future.
"We appeal to our teeming supporters to remain calm and not react to these sheer distractions concocted to by the ACN to confuse the voting pattern of Tuesday. They have seen the handwriting and given their pseudo-popularity in the state, this is one test they have clearly failed. We can only thank the people of Eti-Osa for their support because our Tuesday victory is certain and already dedicated it to their struggle and resolve for change in the annals of our polity."
Source: Candidates end campaigns into legislature (http://ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45876:candidates-end-campaigns-into-legislature&catid=1:national&Itemid=559)