BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has stood by his controversial remarks describing Saturday’s governorship election as a “do or die affair”, despite backlash from the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, September 19, 2024, Obaseki reiterated that the election is crucial for the future of Edo State, warning that a victory for the APC would spell disaster for its residents.
“It’s a do or die affair because if they [APC] do, we die,” Obaseki said. “The level of impunity, the level of recklessness we see in the opposition party — if they take over Edo state, finished — that is the end.”
Obaseki’s comments have drawn heavy criticism, particularly from members of the APC, who accused him of inciting fear and tension ahead of the election.
However, the governor defended his position, alleging that the opposition had already orchestrated plans to rig the election in their favour.
He maintained that the people of Edo would resist such efforts, asserting that their future depends on preventing the APC from regaining power in the state.
Obaseki also expressed concerns over the neutrality of law enforcement ahead of the polls, accusing the police of bias in favor of the opposition.
“If you see the evidence of what they have done, the blatant way they have gone about it… It is like they forget that the police are being funded by taxpayers’ money, Nigerians taxpayers’ money,” he said, adding that law enforcement should conduct themselves with professionalism and impartiality.
The governor’s remarks have further heightened tensions in the lead-up to what is expected to be a closely contested election.
The APC has denied the allegations of rigging and bias, accusing Obaseki of stoking fears to rally his supporters.
Meanwhile, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, a staunch ally of Obaseki, echoed similar sentiments, accusing the APC of resorting to intimidation tactics because they fear a decisive defeat at the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“They know the PDP will beat them mercilessly,” Wike said. “The APC has nothing.”
With the election just days away, the political landscape in Edo State remains charged, with both parties making last-ditch efforts to secure support and sway undecided voters.
The role of security agencies and the transparency of the electoral process will be under intense scrutiny as residents head to the polls.
