Victor EzejaThe Labour Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, Barr Chijioke Edoga, has accused the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other top leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) alleged plans to use brute force in Saturday’s governorship and State Assembly elections to ensure that the ruling party wins.
Edoga, who had made a similar allegation recently accused Governor Ugwuanyi of collaborating with Chimaroke Nnamani, a former governor of the State, to overrun the entire Enugu North Senatorial Zone with electoral violence to ensure that the PDP wins.
The LP governorship candidate said leaders of PDP in the state have since their defeat in the 25th February presidential and National Assembly elections been making desperate moves to win the upcoming election at all costs and maintain the status of the ruling party.
Nnamani is currently contesting for the Enugu East Senatorial District seat under the platform of the PDP, despite his suspension by the party’s national leadership. He had been to the senate between 207 and 2011 after his eight years as governor of the state.
Edoga, who spoke during his campaign rally at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on Wednesday said he has been raising the alarm about the plans of the PDP to scuttle free and fair elections on Saturday.
He, however, urged the people not to be afraid assuring them that security agencies have promised to ensure the safety of voters on election day.
“The sitting governor of Enugu state is collaborating with Chimaroke to launch a war in Nsukka land since after the February 25th elections. PDP has been doing everything to distract the upcoming election, but I assure you not to fear because the Nigerian army, DSS and police are equal to the task and have assured us that any person that will try to attack us will be caught. So do not be afraid. I am only telling you so that you will be aware of what is going on,” Edoga stated at the Princess Alexander Auditorium (PAA), UNN, where students, staff and various groups gathered to welcome him and listen to his campaign message.
Recall that he had released a statement during the weekend, raising the alarm about alleged plans by the PDP to deploy armed thugs to different local government areas across the state on election day and intimidate voters, especially in Labour Party strongholds.
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He said the plan was mainly in Enugu North Senatorial zone and his home Isi-Uzo Local Government Area.
He had also called on security agencies to intervene and deal squarely with criminal elements who attempt to unleash mayhem on people on election day.
He also expressed appreciation to all who voted for the Labour Party that saw it winning massively in the last presidential and National Assembly elections and appealed to them to do same in the Saturday’s polls, promising that he will not fail to transform the state for good if elected.
The ex-commissioner for Environment and one-time House of Representatives member, debunked rumours circulating on social media that he made a negative statement against LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying it is the handiwork of his enemies who want to cause a rift within the party and the Obidient movement powering the struggle for a new Nigeria.
“I want you to be wary of the distortion and abuse on cyberspace. The recording flying on social media that I made a negative statement about Peter Obi is not true. I respect Peter Obi tremendously. He is an icon and a superstar. The enemies want to use the video to cause disharmony among brothers who are working together to create a new order both in Enugu State and in Nigeria”
Obi had while appearing on Arise News Tv on Monday, urged all his supporters to support Edoga to win the election.
The LP presidential flagbearer had also in a post on his verified Twitter post, urged all Obidients to other candidates including Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour in Lagos, Patrick Dakum in Plateau, Alex Otti in Abia, Ken Pela in Delta States.
“As we pursue due process and defer to the rule of law, I urge all the Obidients in the various states to continue campaigning for our candidates, namely, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour in Lagos, Chijioke Edeoga in Enugu, Patrick Dakum in Plateau, Alex Otti in Abia, Ken Pela in Delta,” Obi on his official Twitter handle.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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