…urges co-contestants, party faithful to shun violence
The gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Engr. Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to maintain neutrality before, during and after the forthcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Izedonmwen made the call on Wednesday when he spoke at the INEC election stakeholders’ meeting held at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, the Edo State capital, with the INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and chairmen and candidates of all the 18 political parties in attendance.
The ADC governorship candidate also called on his co-contestants and political party faithful to shun violence and play by the rules of the game as stipulated by Electoral Act, 2022.
Izedonmwen’s appeal underscores concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. He emphasized that the role of INEC and security agencies is crucial in ensuring free and fair elections, free from political bias or interference. It also reflects broader calls from various stakeholders for transparency and impartiality to foster trust in the electoral system and uphold democratic values in the state.
Izedonmwen, whose popularity continues to soar, has remained focused on issue-based campaigns and how he intends to deliver on his agenda for the Edo people.
The ADC candidate, who is among the few candidates that have a working document (manifesto) going into the election, is also enjoy great support from Edolites both at home and abroad.
He has also been preaching the gospel of his manifesto, entitled “RAIISE AGENDA”, wherever he goes to campaign – among the high and mighty, market women, artisans, professionals, and farmers, who are hoping that his agenda to boost agricultural development in the state and provide security for them to be able to access their farms without fear of being attacked criminal elements will better their lives.
Izedonmwen was also well received by thousands of Edo people in diaspora when he embarked on a diaspora tour across Europe and America a few weeks ago. During the tour, he reiterated his pledge to implement the RAIISE agenda, promised to do things differently and called on diaspora Edolites to tell their people back home to support him to win so he can take Edo State to a higher height.
“It’s time for us to do things differently, it’s time for us to try somebody else, it’s time for us to raise the game. I am tired, just like you, of the sorry state of things. I want people at home to be self-sustaining so that the pressure on you will reduce, the pressure on you must reduce,” Izedonmwen had said.
