The Chairman of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council, Chief Dan Orbih, has said the September 19 gubernatorial election in the state would determine if democracy would survive in Nigeria.
Orbih made the submission while addressing PDP supporters at Ward 1, Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Tuesday, in continuation of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s re-election campaign.
According to him, “the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo will determine if democracy is going to survive in this country. This election is very important to Edo people. This election will determine if we are prepared to practice true democracy in Nigeria. I am appealing to the Presidency to ensure that this election is free and fair.
“Democracy is for the people, and our party, the PDP, has always been saying that power belongs to the people. Our priority is to return power back to the people in the coming election.”
He continued: “You can see that Ewohimi is far behind in terms of development, and the former First Lady of our state is from here. But Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of our state, decided not to extend development to this place.
“If he had brought development to Ewohimi before now, Governor Godwin Obaseki will be thinking of doing some other things in this locality,” he said.
On his part, Governor Obaseki said he was happy to receive a large crowd of his supporters in Ward 1, noting that his visit was a home-coming.
“I came to tell you that what your in-law couldn’t do for you, I am going to do it. There are more roads to be tarred in Ewohimi. I promised at the palace that I am going to sustain infrastructural development in Ewohimi.
“I know that what you need more is the improvement of power supply. But our major challenge is the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), which is not ready to supply Edo residents with power.”
He said a power plant has been completed in Benin City, which is helping to address the power challenge, adding that more innovative energy options would be deployed in the community.
The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; Chief Orbih; Chairman, Edo State PDP, Mr. Tony Aziegbemi and PDP chieftain, Mr Kenneth Imasuagbon.