BENIN CITY – In a bid to discourage voters to shun all forms of electoral violence and vote trading in the forthcoming Edo governorship election, members Edo Civil Society Organization (EDOCSO) Today held a rally in Benin city, to sensitize voters against the acts.

The sensitization rally which is coming less than four days to the governorship election, has become a norm with EDOCSO in run up to any election in the state.

According to the activists carrying placards with various inscription, the rally was to pave way for a free, fair and credible polls, come September 19.

“It has been a culture for EDOCSO every election to talk to the people about a violence free election.

“This election is not war. Everyone must come out and vote. It is our election, Edo is for all of us”, EDOCSO’s deputy coordinator general, Annie Umoru told journalists.

Also, Public Relations Officer of the group, leftist Osaze Edigin urged voters not to be intimidated by the recent violence, noting their votes is their civic rights that must be exercise.

On the issue with COVID-19 influencing ‘massive’ vote trading, Edigin argued that though it outcome adversely affected Nigeria’s economy, it is not an excuse to sell one’s vote.

“The COVID-19 has actually affected our economy negatively in recent time, and we are just trying to get out of it;

“But, that is not enough for any citizen to sell their civic rights for peanut”, Edigin said