EDO: Tambuwal, Obaseki, others call for violence-free campaigns, elections

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal and the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday urged politicians to embrace peace ahead of the September 19 governorship election in Edo State.

The duo, who made the call at end of the party’s stakeholders meeting in Benin, urged leaders of various political parties contesting the governorship election to appeal to their supporters to be law-abiding, peaceful and ensure violence-free poll.

Tambuwal said: “I am appealing to both sides and to leaders of the various political parties participating in the governorship election to continue to encourage their supporters to refrain from unleashing mayhem and violence on the electorate.

“This appeal has become necessary following a small crowd of a political party that came to the Benin Monarch’s palace to boo leaders and supporters of the PDP during the flag-off of our campaign.

“That is a sign that the political party is planning violence.

“I appeal to leaders of the various political parties, with the interest of Edo State at heart, to speak with their followers and make sure the election is free and fair.”

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The Sokoto State governor also warned against plans to use security agencies to rig the election.

“We have seen cases where might is used in isolated elections in Nigeria through the deployment of security personnel to such a state to intimidate voters.

“This must not be done in Edo,” he added.

Tambuwal urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to put aside their differences and come together to win the election.

He said that the party had transformed political process that revolves around the people, adding that no single individual owned the PDP.

“Don’t allow intimidation of any kind but rather come out en masse to vote, ensure you protect your votes and by God’s grace PDP will win the election,” he concluded.

Similarly, Obaseki said his administration was not weak in responding to political violence but as governor, he would use state powers with discretion and moderation.

“I am not weak as a governor but I believe in respecting human rights,” he said.

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