Edo Election: Violence Breaks Out as Obaseki Arrives Polling Unit

Edo election has recorded some pockets of violence as party loyalists clashed in just as Governor Godwin Obaseki was getting to vote.

As the people of Edo  State elect a new governor today, there are reports of tension at polling unit 19, ward 04, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo, where Governor Godwin Obaseki is expected to vote, TheConscience reports.

Shortly after Obaseki’s arrival at the polling unit, supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) reportedly attacked one another creating some panic among voters.

The build up to the Edo election has been characterised by violence and threats, accusations and counter accusations as the camps of the two leading candidates traded words and verbal attacks.

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Out of the almost 20 candidates, the race is expected to be keenly contested between the incumbent governor Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party PDP and the All Progressive Congress APC candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu.

Analysts have predicted that the election may be marred by violence but the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC and the Edo State police command have assured that the election will be free and fair.

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To ensure a peaceful election, the General AbdulSalam Abubakar led National Peace Committee NPC also coordinated the signing of a Peace Treaty by all the political parties, with all agreeing to accept the outcome of the Edo election whichever way it goes.