#EdoDecides: PDP candidate Ize-Iyamu express worry over Ambode, El-Rufai presence in Edo

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has protested the presence of the governors of Lagos and Kaduna States, Akinwumi Ambode and Nasir El-Rufai, in Edo State.

He said their presence in the state was worrisome in the face of the restriction placed on movement of persons within the state.

“We are also aware that the governor’s of Lagos and Kaduna States, Ambode and El-rufai, are also in Benin,” he said.

“This is worrisome. If the security agencies can declare restriction of movement even for those in the state, we are wondering why two governors not from Edo State will relocate to our state.

“We think that their reasons cannot be genuine. We have gone through the period of campaigning and we expect Edo people will be left alone to vote.”

He also said that the PDP had written to the Inspector General of Police on several alleged arrest and harassment of supporters, and had received assurances that the police in the state would be called to order.

“You know they have been using the security agencies to harass our people even till last night trying to arrest them, detain them in any flimsy excuses,” Mr. Ize-Iyamu said.

“But we have spoken to their superiors who have assured us that those who are doing so are doing it on their own and they would call them to order. For now we are satisfied with that assurance.”

But the APC has replied Mr. Ize-Iyamu, saying his complaints have no effect as the governors did not influence the process of election in any way.

“We have finished campaigns and I don’t know what their presence will do to the election,” Anslem Ojezua, Chairman of APC in Edo State, said.

“Who does it better than the PDP? They do it better. The governors have nothing to do with the election.

“Do they have any evidence that these two gentlemen have influenced the process in anyway?”

The spokespersons of Governors Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos and Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna have refuted the claim by the PDP candidate.

Both governors were nowhere near Edo today, their spokespersons said.

Steve Ayorinde, the Lagos State Information Commissioner said Mr. Ambode was not even in the country, while Muyiwa Adekeye, Mr. El-Rufai’s spokesperson said the Kaduna governor was nowhere near Edo on the day of the election.