Ahead of the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo State, youths from the 18 local government areas of the state have vowed to resist ploys by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, to subvert the will of the majority of Edo people, relying on brute force, violence and intimidation.
The youths under the aegis of Edo Youths for Progress, said they are willing and ready to defend their votes, whilst ensuring that an unpopular candidate is not foisted on Edo people.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City, Secretary of the organisation, Osahon Isibor, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police and other security agencies to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible election in Edo State.
Isibor noted: “We are worried over the rising incidence of violence orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC), its former National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and the party’s candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in the wake of heightened political activities ahead of the September 19 gubernatorial election.
“Apart from the recent attacks on supporters of the opposition as well as the destruction of campaign billboards of other candidates, we also gathered that there are plans by these desperate politicians to unleash mayhem on the people with the intent to scare voters away on election day so as to perfect their ploys to rig the forthcoming election.”
Isibor continued: “Edo people are wiser; we are prepared for their shenanigans. We want to remind them that nobody has a monopoly of violence. We will come out en masse to vote for the candidate of our choice come September 19, 2020 and we will do everything possible to protect our votes.
“As concerned youths of Edo State, we will not watch helplessly and allow the APC and Ize-Iyamu turn Edo State into a killing field in their desperate attempt to foist an unpopular candidate on Edo people. Edo people have already rejected the APC and its candidate and we have resolved to ensure that the will of our people is not truncated by a few selfish politicians.
“Edo people are no fools. How can a party that prides itself as champions in the fight against corruption field a candidate who is currently standing criminal trial in court over money laundering to the tune of N700 million. This is an insult to the sensitivity, integrity and dignity of Edo people and we will express our displeasure at the poll come September 19, 2020.”
