…Raise Alarm Over Alleged Political Intimidation in Edo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified its campaign mobilisation in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its Vice-Presidential Candidate, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Edo State Governor, Chief John Oyegun, calling for economic reforms and a change of government.
The two party chieftains spoke on Thursday at a town hall meeting in Benin City, where they criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and expressed concern over alleged political intimidation in the state.
Amaechi, a former Rivers State governor and Minister of Transportation, said the removal of fuel subsidy had worsened inflation and increased the financial burden on ordinary Nigerians.
He argued that energy was central to economic production, warning that high fuel prices could raise the cost of goods and services and slow down economic activities.
According to him, the subsidy removal was implemented without sufficient consideration of its impact on inflation and the cost of living.
The ADC vice-presidential candidate promised that an ADC-led government would introduce production subsidies, cut taxes, improve salaries and implement policies to make production easier.
He also pledged to reconstruct and reactivate seaports across the country as part of efforts to boost economic activities.
‘Defend Your Votes’
Turning to the 2027 elections, Amaechi urged Nigerians to protect their votes, insisting that election victories should be secured at polling units rather than through prolonged legal battles.
“You will defend your votes. If you don’t fight for your right, they will take it,” he said.
He also referred to recent developments in Osun State as a positive example in the struggle to protect electoral rights.
Amaechi promised greater participation of women in governance, arguing that the country could not be effectively governed without their involvement.
He further pledged that an ADC government would establish schools in rural communities, reduce school fees and make education more accessible to Nigerians.
Reflecting on his time as Rivers State governor, Amaechi said he often walked the streets and interacted directly with residents to understand their challenges.
He maintained that leaders must remain connected to the people to develop policies that address their everyday needs.
Oyegun Raises Alarm Over Political Intimidation
Oyegun, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Edo governor, said Nigerians made what he described as “terrible mistakes” in the 2023 elections and were now bearing the consequences.
He urged voters to use the 2027 polls to correct those mistakes and rescue the country from its present challenges.
Oyegun also expressed concern over alleged political intimidation in Edo State, particularly claims of threats involving AK-47 rifles during political activities.
He questioned whether such an atmosphere was acceptable in a democracy, calling for a political environment in which citizens could freely participate in elections without fear.
The former governor said he had closely observed Amaechi during his tenure in Rivers State and argued that Nigeria needed courageous and experienced leadership to tackle its challenges.
He urged Nigerians to see the 2027 election as an opportunity to demand better governance.
‘APC Has AK-47, We Have PVC’
Earlier, Edo Central ADC leader, Barrister Kenneth Imasogbon, urged residents to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to bring about political change.
“APC have AK-47 and we have PVC,” he said, while accusing the ruling party of leaving Edo with poor roads and insecurity.
Imasogbon insisted that the people of Edo were not cowards and expressed confidence that they would support the ADC in the 2027 elections.
In Edo South, ADC leader and Senator Ehigie Uzamere condemned the display of weapons in political activities, describing it as a sign of weakness.
He called on the people of Benin to take a leading role in politics and expressed confidence in the party’s prospects in the senatorial district.
The ADC National Woman Leader, Naomi Lasara, also urged voters to go beyond casting their ballots by ensuring that their votes were protected and counted.
ADC Says Edo Is Ready for Change
In his remarks, Edo State ADC Chairman, Chief Anthony Alile, said the town hall meeting demonstrated the party’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
He described Nigeria as being at a critical crossroads, saying the ADC was seeking power to restore effective governance.
According to Alile, residents of Edo want jobs, security and leadership they can trust, adding that the party’s message of change was gaining attention across the state.
The event also featured the official commissioning of ADC campaign songs under the theme, “Entertainer for Good Governance.”
ADC candidates and members of the party’s state working committee were presented at the meeting.
Those presented included Edo North senatorial candidate, Haruna Abubakar; Edo Central senatorial candidate, Habeta Okonofua; Edo South senatorial candidate, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen; and the party’s nine House of Representatives candidates.
