Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Edo State, Nigeria
Today marks the official commencement of campaigns for the Edo State governorship election slated for September, with Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, urging fellow contenders to prioritize substantive issues over trivialities.
In a statement released by the Asue Ighodalo Media Team in Benin City on Tuesday, Ighodalo emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and focusing on pertinent issues affecting the state.
He asserted, “I sincerely believe that we are ready for the campaigns as the Independent National Electoral Commission has formally lifted the ban on public campaigns for the September election, beginning from tomorrow, April 24.
On our part, we are ready to play by the rules. We will focus on issues. Edolities want to know and hear us talk about what we are bringing to the table to solve the problems of insecurity, poverty, infrastructure and many more. We will make decorum our watchword.”
The gubernatorial hopeful called upon all political parties, especially their candidates, to engage in constructive dialogue and abstain from indulging in irrelevant matters.
He cautioned against resorting to slander, character defamation, or spreading falsehoods to undermine opponents. “We will be very deliberate and intentional in our campaigns by selling our manifesto to the electorate and persuading them to vote for us. We expect others to do the same. Let’s refrain from attacking individuals, personalities and stop throwing dirt and mud on people because of their political persuasions.”
Highlighting the significance of fostering a harmonious electoral environment, Ighodalo stressed the need for mutual respect among contestants. He appealed for a collective commitment to advancing the state’s progress and development. “If we all play by these rules, the atmosphere will be convivial for all of us and thus reduce the possibility of electoral hostilities and violence. We must bear in mind that we are brothers and sisters and all we want is the progress and development of our dear state,” Ighodalo declared.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared the commencement of campaigns in a statement issued on Monday by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. Olumekun clarified, “As provided by Section 92(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, campaigns by political parties in public shall commence not earlier than 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.”
He further outlined the timeline for campaigning, indicating that political parties are authorized to conduct public campaigns starting from Wednesday, April 24, and concluding at midnight on Thursday, September 19, in accordance with the timetable and schedule of activities for the election.