PDP Vows to Defend Votes with Blood as Edo Rally Winds Down
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to defend its votes “with blood” in the upcoming September 21 governorship election in Edo State. Acting National Chairman, Ilia Damagun, made the statement during the grand finale of the PDP’s campaign, warning that the party would resist any attempts to rig the election.
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, described the election as “do-or-die,” emphasizing that the poll must not be rigged. The PDP had refused to sign a peace accord, citing the “illegal arrest and detention” of its members.
Both the PDP and APC have accused each other of inciting violence and engaging in vote-buying ahead of the election. Damagun stated that the APC could only win through violence and intimidation, but the PDP would defend its votes.
The PDP chairman warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against announcing election results at night, threatening that party members would defend their votes with their blood. He emphasized that the election would serve as a test for Nigeria’s democracy.
Twelve PDP governors and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, attended the rally. Abubakar called on the people of Edo to defend and protect their votes, asserting that the party would win the election.
Meanwhile, the APC held a rally, with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and APC governors and leaders campaigning for the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo. Shettima urged the people of the state to vote for Okpebholo, emphasizing that the state needed a strategic thinker, builder, and compassionate leader.
