By Ehichioya Steve Odion
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Patience Ndidi Key has described the last Edo governorship election as tragically marred by manipulation, vote-buying and outright rigging.
She made this disclosure today during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat, Press Center, in Benin City.
Ndidi said the election was not a contest of ideas, policies or the will of the people, but the most rigged , orchestrated by the three so called popular political parties, APC, PDP and LP, adding that this set of political parties over the years have systematically impoverished Edo State, stripped of dignity and left our infrastructure, economy and human capital in shambles.
"The APC known for its notorious electoral manipulations, once again showed its expertise in elections rigging.
"The PDP whose candidate, the current chairman of Edo state's Economic Council, has failed woefully to add value to the state's economy over the past years, had no moral standing to even contest
"The Labour Party candidate secured his nomination through blatant vote-buying and making mockery of the Democratic process and further undermining the already fragile integrity of our electoral system".
She also described vote-buying and selling as not only a crime but a deliberate act of self sabotage, adding that it has dire consequences for both the state and its people.
She said the people have been deliberately so impoverished by decades of mismanagement that many now believe selling their votes is a solution to their immediate hunger. She said this practice has been exercerbated by the circle of poverty, corruption and underdevelopment.
"The hardship inflicted on Nigerians, particularly on the most vulnerable, is a signature of the APC's incompetence and lack of vision. The same is PDP whose history of failed leadership mirrors that of the APC
"These two parties have worked hand in hand to impoverished our nation and our state, leaving us with broken roads, dilapidated schools, a dysfunctional healthcare system and skyrocketing unemployment rate. Their candidates represent nothing more than a continuation of the status quo - a system built to serve the interest of few, while the masses suffer".
Ndidi reassured the people of her commitment to rebuilding Edo state by demanding for accountability from leaders. She said we should not forget that the eyes of Edo sons and daughters are watching, and will not remain silent in the face of injustice and corruption.
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