“The State Will Burn”: Edo Gubernatorial Election Heats Up as NLC Chair Issues Strong Remarks

• Odion Olaye, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, warned of unrest if the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is not declared the winner of the September 21 gubernatorial election
• Olaye’s remarks have sparked controversy, intensifying an already tense political environment with allegations of election tampering from both the PDP and APC
• With accusations flying and inflammatory rhetoric on the rise, there are growing concerns about potential unrest on election day

Odion Olaye, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, has ignited controversy ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21.

In a widely circulated video, Olaye, while campaigning for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo in Egor, Benin City, made incendiary comments suggesting unrest if Ighodalo is not declared the winner.

Labour congress chief warns of potential violence if PDP loses Edo gubernatorial race. Photo credit: X/MediafireworksSource: Twitter

“I want to assure you that PDP, our party, is going to win Egor 80 percent come the 21st of this month, and on the 22nd, they must declare Asue Ighodalo the winner,” Olaye asserted. He went further, warning that the state “will burn” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fails to announce Ighodalo as the victor.

The remarks have added to the already tense political atmosphere in Edo State. Allegations of potential electoral manipulation have been flying between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Edo faces unrest threat

PDP Chairman Dr. Tony Aziegbemi accused the APC of planning to deploy fake INEC officials disguised as technical staff to interfere with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a key component in ensuring a transparent election.

However, Prince Kassim Afegbua, media director for the APC Campaign Council, quickly dismissed the accusations, labeling them as baseless.

With both parties trading accusations and inflammatory rhetoric entering the fray, concerns are growing over potential unrest on election day.

As tensions mount, all eyes are on the INEC to ensure a free and fair election, amid calls for restraint from political actors.

PDP accuses APC candidate

Meanwhile, TheTalk.NG earlier reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is not a registered voter, hence, he is out of the race.

The PDP said this was discovered by checks in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal.

Source: TheTalk.NG

Omo-Agege Blows Hot as Rumors Mount Over Dumping APC to Allegedly Join El-Rufai in Forming New Party

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege dismissed claims of leaving the APC, calling the reports baseless and a product of speculative journalism Highlighting APC’s record-breaking 2023 performance in Delta, Omo-Agege reaffirmed his dedication to the party and future development goals Omo-Agege accused political adversaries of spreading rumours to create a rift with President Tinubu, emphasizing his unwavering loyalty ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Just In: Former Governor Resigned From PDP, Gives Reason

Former Sokoto state governor Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa has tendered his resignation letter from the leading opposition PDP According to the former governor, his reason for leaving the PDP was to pay attention to the new launch Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI) Bafarawa was a tw0-term governor of Sokoto state and was instrumental in ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Elections in Nigeria: Akpabio Speaks on Urgency of Completing Electoral Reforms, Gives Reason

TheTalk.NG journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria. FCT, Abuja – Senate President Godswill Akpabio has said the critical and urgent task before the national assembly (NASS) is the completion of electoral reforms, given the preparations for the next electoral cycle in Nigeria. As reported ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

Breaking: Tinubu Makes Fresh Appointment in Secret Police, Details Emerge

President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Folashade Adekaiyaoja as DSS’ deputy director general Reports indicated that Folashade Adekaiyaoja would be the first to be appointed to the position by any Nigerian president Folashade Adekaiyaoja’s appointment was based on the recommendation of the NSA and the Director General of the DSS President Bola Tinubu ... Read more Continue reading here ▶

PDP Chieftain Mentions Tinubu’s Minister “Performing Magic” in Current Govt

Delta-born politician, Professor Sylvester Monye, has said Nyesom Wike is “arguably the best minister” in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration Prof. Monye, in a new interview seen by TheTalk.NG, asserted that Wike “has done and continues to do magic” as the president hopes to achieve his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda The one-time aide to ex-President Goodluck ... Read more Continue reading here ▶