Obaseki Lists Conditions For Accepting Saturday’s Edo Governorship Election Result
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will only accept the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election if it is “properly conducted.”
Obaseki made this remark during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other security officials in Benin City, ahead of the election.
The governor later shared details of the interaction on his official X account.
With 17 candidates contesting the governorship election, security concerns have been heightened due to inflammatory comments made by some political figures in the state.
Obaseki, whose second term ends in November, previously stirred controversy by describing the election as a “do-or-die affair” during a PDP rally.
He also declined to sign the peace accord, signaling tensions around the polls. The governor is backing PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo in the race.
During the meeting, Obaseki raised concerns about the national security implications of the election and noted that General Musa had addressed some of the issues raised by the PDP, including alleged intimidation and harassment of its members.
“His presence and assurances of peace, security, non-partisanship, and the professional conduct of security personnel in the state have significantly alleviated the fears we previously expressed regarding the intimidation and arrest of members of the PDP by the police.
“We are not asking for any favour but are stating that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to elect the candidates of their choice. We will accept the outcome of a properly conducted election,” he said.
During the visit, General Christopher Musa informed Governor Obaseki that his presence in the state was to assess the operational readiness of the troops and other security agencies ahead of the election.
He reassured the governor that the armed forces and security agencies were fully prepared for the task.
The CDS further promised that a conducive environment would be provided to ensure that the people of Edo could come out and freely vote for their preferred candidates.
With over 2.2 million voters expected to participate in Saturday’s election, observers anticipate a tight contest between Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
