Edo guber: EU, British Council tasks stakeholders on peaceful election

The British Council and the European Union (EU) have called on stakeholders in Edo State governorship election to eschew violence and ensure peaceful election.

Political Counsel at the British Council, Mr Ben James and the Deputy Head of EU Delegation, Mr Richard Young, made the call in Benin, after meeting with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

James appealed to all critical stakeholders, including the INEC and security agencies to prepare well for the new date, adding that there should be communication between the political parties, security agencies and INEC.

“Our concern is that the elections on the 28th of September are peaceful, conclusive and credible. All the institutions, parties, INEC, police and other security agencies should do everything possible to make sure the people of Edo decide who the next governor would be,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Young said, “we came here to discuss the postponement of the governorship election and to make a number of appeals for increase contact with political parties, INEC, police and other security agencies”.

He stressed the need to have good communication among all the stakeholders to ensure that the election takes place smoothly and in a peaceful manner.

Meanwhile, the APC candidate, Obaseki, said some of his supporters were shot at by hired thugs allegedly recruited by the PDP, in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo.

On the postponement of the poll, he said, “it is not convenient, but that is where we have found ourselves. We are okay with it if that is going to protect lives and property. We have to live with that no matter the inconvenience.”