An online poll conducted by the PUNCH online, one of Nigeria’s most read news website, has revealed that the people of Edo State believe that the PDP, represented at the Sept. 19 Edo Governorship election by incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, is likely to arm-strong the electoral body, INEC, and manipulate the outcome of the election.
In a social research carried out on its data site, the newspaper asked if the people thought the APC is likely to arm-strong INEC and manipulate the outcome of the Governorship election as was alleged by the PDP.
However, the majority of voters, most of whom are residents in Edo State, disagreed with the assertion, stating on the contrary that the opposition PDP is the political party most likely to embark on such activities.
The outcome of the poll reflects sentiments expressed offline in the State. Controversy still trails the late emergence of Governor Godwin Obaseki as the candidate of the PDP following accusations that he was imposed after alleged payments of 15 billion naira to the NWC of the party which one of its Governors, Mr. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, branded as ‘tax-collectors.’
Furthermore, the alleged destruction of the billboards of the APC and its candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, at strategic points in the State has met widespread criticism and condemnation from residents who deemed it an unnecessary display of intolerance and a foreshadowing of what it has in store for the election proper.
On Monday, the Edo APC, in a press conference held by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chris Azebamwan, accused the Governor of appointing thugs and cultists as aides in an alleged plot to mar the election with violence.
