By Lucky Obukohwo
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asue Ighodalo, has cast his vote alongside his wife in his hometown in unit 3, ward 1 in Indinrio Primary School, Okaigben Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at about 12 pm, Ighodalo said he is sure of victory at the end of the poll though he is not so pleased with what is going on in some parts of the state as regards the ongoing exercise.
He said, “I am not happy with the process that delayed the coming of the materials. This is a single state election. INEC has all the time to prepare.
“We are not comfortable with the little shenanigans that is going on particularly from the APC guys.
“There are rumors that they are trying to undermine the election process. Many of them have been caught with ballot papers, PVC’s.
“The worst is that they go round trying to buy votes. They buy vote for 15-20 thousand. They are trying everything to subvert the process.
“We will win this election by landslide and move our state forward by God’s grace. If there is anybody at home, please come out and cast your vote.
“Nigerian military has made me proud. They have taken charge and have shown great responsibility. They have shown that they can protect the people and I am extremely proud.”
While expressing optimism about his victory, Ighodalo said he has led the most consistent campaign, adding that residents are confident that he would ensure progress and development.
“We are not worried. We have spent ten months talking to people, telling them what we will do for them if they elect us.
“The people believed us and have accepted us all over the state. I don’t know the magic anybody will perform.
“The kind of numbers I am hearing from EDO North, Edo Central, Edo South, overwhelms me. You know in Nigeria, funny things happen. I don’t know the magic anybody wants to perform.
“I believe INEC to deliver free and fair election until they prove otherwise. We will win hands down in this election.
“We are not happy about a few ongoing in some places but we will remain confident. One of our supporters was arrested at Uromi by some people with security outfit,” he added.
The gubernatorial candidate warned against violence, urging law enforcement agencies to maintain peace without bias.
Ighodalo added, “No one should carry a gun into a polling unit. It’s against the law. It’s against the regulation. You see people behave indiscriminately, oppressing and trying to intimidate our folks. It won’t happen. We can’t be intimidated.
“How come its only PDP supporters that have been arrested? Every day you see APC supporters doing imaginable things. But nobody arrests them. Nobody investigates them.
“The person arrested was at his polling unit trying to be accredited. He was queuing up trying to be accredited. Authorities should create a free and fair playing field. This is getting too much particularly from the Police Force.”
