The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, says he is concerned following speculations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) might deploy electoral officers from Imo and Kogi states to supervise the poll.
Ighodalo stated that he opposes such a move because he does not have confidence in the capacity of those electoral officers to conduct a free and fair election. He, therefore, urged INEC to ensure that the upcoming election is not undermined in any way.
“We are hearing rumors that INEC wants to come to our election with officials from Imo and officials from Kogi.
“We will please implore INEC that we in Edo State want fresh officials from places that have run electoral processes that are free and fair ,and not places where polls have been questioned.
“I will please appreciate if INEC doesn’t bring Kogi officials or Imo officials into Edo State.
“Question marks have been placed on the processes in those two states. Edo State people are peace loving; they know light from darkness, so they don’t want any process that is going to be subverted or subversive.
“We want a level-playing field so that the wishes of the people of Edo State is realised on September 21,” the PDP candidate said.