There are indications that opposition parties in Edo State, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are yet to decide on their participation in the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for July 11.
According to guidelines released by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), political parties are expected to conclude their primaries, including resolving disputes, by April 8, while campaigns are set to commence on April 24.
Findings show that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has already begun the sale of nomination forms ahead of its primary election slated for April 3.
However, both the ADC and PDP are yet to begin the sale of forms or announce dates for their primaries.
Speaking on the development, Edo ADC Chairman, Kennedy Odion, said the party would decide on participation after engaging with stakeholders to assess the preparedness of EDSIEC to conduct a credible election.
He noted that the commission needs to provide clarity on its plans for the election process and assure opposition parties of transparency.
He said: “They need to give us a blueprint on the preparation for the election and how they are going to do it. They will assure us that the results will get to the polling units and not the results they will write at the Government House.”
If they are going to write the results, why waste our time and resources to participate in a shadow election? We will not be subjected to a blackmail where they will say we didn’t do well in the election.
“I have told our people to be on standby and hopefully we will participate in the election. I want them to commit themselves to a free and fair election so that when they do contrary, we will also tell the world.”
Similarly, the Edo PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, said the party would hold consultations among stakeholders before taking a final decision on whether to participate in the poll.
On its part, the APC, through its state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, confirmed readiness to proceed with its primary election.
He said: “There will be primaries on the 3rd of April. It will be free and fair except they arrive at a consensus. Even at that, they will still go to the field to affirm it. APC is a structured and organised party that takes internal democracy very seriously.”
