Edo Governorship Election: Fuel Crisis Looms As APC, PDP Gear Up For Face-Off

The ongoing nationwide fuel crisis has forced the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to increase its financial commitment to transport unions involved in the upcoming Edo State governorship election. The adjustment became necessary due to the recent surge in fuel prices, which has significantly impacted the operational costs of transport companies.

A meeting was held last Friday at the INEC State Office in Benin-City, chaired by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, with representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria. During the meeting, a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was reached to address concerns regarding the availability and costs of transportation, which is crucial for the timely distribution of election materials.

Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, explained that the increased funding was aimed at ensuring the unions could effectively support the election process. The unions pledged their cooperation and mobilization of resources to ensure the successful conduct of the election.

Meanwhile, the political scene in Edo State has seen a new development as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, filed a N20 billion defamation lawsuit against Senator Adams Oshiomhole of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Ighodalo’s legal team demanded an immediate retraction and apology from Oshiomhole for allegedly defamatory remarks made during a campaign rally.

Additionally, Ighodalo responded to recent comments by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who claimed he would not back Ighodalo in the election. Ighodalo expressed disappointment, stating that the decision on Edo’s next governor lies solely with the people of Edo State, not with political figures like Wike.

As the election day approaches, tensions continue to rise, with the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, linking the signing of a Peace Accord to the release of PDP members who have been detained. Obaseki expressed optimism about the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police and INEC to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.