By Osehobo Victor Ofure
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Tuesday accused People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of destroying the campaign billboards of its governorship candidate in the September 21 election, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The APC said hoodlums loyal to the PDP have gone on rampage destroying campaign billboards bearing names of Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon Dennis Idahosa.
The Okpebholo/Idahosa Campaign Organisation, which disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, therefore raised the alarm that violence was already creeping into the electioneering campaigns.
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The election season in Edo state is in top gear, filled with excitement and tension. Very unfortunately, violence is creeping in.
In Uromi, the Esan Northeast local government headquarters, the campaign billboards of the APC Governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his running mate, Hon Dennis Idahosa are under attack.
Reports have surfaced of the APC candidate’s billboards being systematically brought down by individuals suspected to be PDP thugs.
Despite the fact that the Campaign Organisation has paid millions of naira to the Local Government as signage fee, the billboards are still being destroyed at various locations throughout the council area.
This incident is particularly concerning because it goes against the democratic principles of fair play and free elections.
All political parties, including the APC, have the right to mount billboards and campaign materials in public spaces in accordance with the law.
Such rights are even paid for. Therefore, the destruction of the APC campaign billboards by individuals with potential political affiliations is unacceptable.
It is a wake up call for the Edo state police command to investigate and bring to justice those responsible for the destruction of the APC billboards around the Uromi area.
It is also essential that the rule of law be upheld, especially during this election period where tensions can run high.
Furthermore, the authorities of the Esan Northeast Local Government must take action to address this issue.
The council’s apparent lack of concern regarding the destruction of the billboards is troubling and raises questions about the impartiality and commitment of the local government authorities to ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
The importance of campaign billboards cannot be understated.
They serve as a visual representation of the candidates and their platforms, allowing voters to make informed decisions about who to support.
By destroying these billboards, individuals are attempting to undermine the democratic process and limit the ability of the APC candidate to reach out to voters in it’s stronghold like Esan Northeast Local Government.
Nigeria is a democratic society, and all political parties should be able to campaign freely and openly without fear of intimidation or violence.
The destruction of APC campaign billboards is a violation of this fundamental principle and must be addressed swiftly and decisively.
The Senator Monday Campaign Organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to a peaceful and transparent electoral process.
It will not be deterred by these acts of vandalism and will continue to campaign vigorously for the support of the people of Uromi, Esan Northeast, Edo Central and Edo State.
As the September 21 date for the Edo state governorship election draws near, it is crucial that all parties and stakeholders work together to ensure a peaceful and fair election.
The destruction of campaign billboards must be stamped out in it’s entirety.
The Election is an opportunity for unity and solidarity in defence of good governance which has eluded Edo state and it’s people in the last eight years. A New Edo is rising.
