Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the governors of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode and his Kaduna state counterpart Nasir El-Rufai of being in Edo state to help rig the election for APC candidate.
The PDP candidate made the allegation immediately after casting his vote at Ward 5, Unit 26, Iguododo Primary School, Iguododo, Orhiomwon local government area.
Ize-Iyamu who described the election as “very peaceful,” called on INEC and security agents to ensure that the ruling APC does not hijack the process.
“I want to cry it out to the whole world that I have been reliably informed that the governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos and Nasir el’Rufai of Kaduna, are in the state.
“If the Federal Government and INEC declared today a restricted date for movement, even to indigenes of the state, what are they doing here on our election day? They should be advised to go back to their states immediately, for their own interest,” Ize-Iyamu said.
Voting at the centre which was entirely dominated by PDP members began at exactly 9.27 am, but the PDP flag bearer arrived at the centre at about 9.52 am, and was accredited to cast his vote at about 9.58 am.
Earlier, the PDP agent at the polling unit, Obey Henry, said the election has been peaceful and will remain peaceful.
“We hope every other polling unit across the state will take a cue from this place so that we can have a peaceful election. “he added.
On his part, the State Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, who voted at Ward 7, Unit 1, Uroonigbe North, at about 11.10am, also described the election as generally peaceful.
“The exercise has been very peaceful. Election materials arrived on time, apart from two card readers that malfunctioned for about two hours, but the INEC officials were able to handle the situation.
“So far, it is good and my prayer is that it remains like this and we continue to deepen our democracy,” Odubu said.
