Govs Wike, Obaseki, supporters afraid to campaign in Oshiomhole’s territory; PDP diverts campaign train

The Edo PDP campaign train headed by Rivers Gov. Nyesome Wike gave the Etsako LGA a wide berth on Tuesday. The party’s candidate Gov Godwin refused to campaign in the entire area, but rather rerouted his supporters to the Owan East LGA.

According to the state Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, the decision was taken to avoid an alleged plan by the APC to attack its campaign train.

“We have received information that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have decided to confront and attack members and supporters of the PDP in Etsako West Local Government Area, where former APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, hails from,” he said in press statement.

“We have taken this decision, not because we are timid as a party, but because we do not want to expose thousands of our members and supporters in that part of the state to harm.

“Our candidate and Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, is a peace-loving leader who places a huge premium on the safety of citizens. We had planned to go to Uzairue and Auchi but the APC has just released its campaign schedule that shows that they will be at same places too so that they can launch their planned attacks on us.”

There are fears the September 19 election in the state will be marred by violence.

The two major parties—the APC and the PDP— ignited flares-up when 17 lawmakers said to be loyal to Oshiomhole and his APC candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu decided to seat in the state assembly but Obaseki order the dismantling of the chamber.