The September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State promises to be an interesting one.
As we speak, tensions are rising in the state.
While many people would wish the election to be peaceful, Odion Olaye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state has revealed that there will be peace under one condition.
Olaye made this provocative statement during a recent campaign event in Egor, Benin City.
In a viral video online, Olaye drummed support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo.
The NLC boss confidently assured PDP supporters of victory, specifically predicting that Egor will be won by the PDP.
Olaye’s remarks have since sparked controversy on social media.
‘The State Will Burn’
However, it was his subsequent comment that has caused a significant stir.
Olaye warned that the state “will burn” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not declare Ighodalo the winner of the upcoming poll.
These remarks have raised concerns about the potential for unrest dependent on the election results, with various stakeholders calling for calm and a focus on democratic processes rather than incendiary rhetoric.
Olaye said: “I want to assure you that PDP, our party, is going to win Egor 80 percent come 21st of this month and on 22nd of this month, they must declare Asue Ighodalo the winner.
“If they refuse to do that, Edo state will burn.”
Fake INEC Staffs
The NLC chair’s comments trails the numerous allegations and counter allegations by parties.
Recently, the Edo State PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said it has uncovered plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use fake INEC staff who would be posing as technical staff to tamper with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
However, the Media Director of APC Campaign Council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, dismissed this allegation.
Perhaps, this is the reason the NLC issued the warning.
As the action continue to unfold, Nigerians cannot wait to see the outcome of the election and the drama that comes after it.
