The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, issued a warning on Saturday regarding potential electoral malpractice in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Atiku cautioned against attempts to manipulate the election, emphasizing that Edo should not be compared to Lagos, where, in his opinion, elections could be unfairly influenced by the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Delivering his message during the grand finale of the PDP’s governorship campaign rally in the Ekemwan area of Edo State, the former Vice President encouraged the state’s residents to safeguard their votes to prevent any form of manipulation.
Reflecting on past experiences, Atiku recounted previous threats and emphasized the need for vigilance: "If you remember four years ago they threatened us, didn’t they? They said they wouldn’t allow us to win in Edo State. But what did we show them? We showed them that ‘Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it? So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here; therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes."
He further advised, "Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced. If you do that, no one can come and change your votes. You are winning next week, do you agree? ‘Edo no be Lagos’ – Atiku said."
Edo State is scheduled to conduct its gubernatorial election next week Saturday. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, LP, are the leading contenders in the governorship race.