The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun releasing results from polling units in the ongoing Edo State governorship election.

As vote counting concludes at many polling stations, the results are being announced in the presence of party agents, observers, and the electorate.

Among the leading candidates in the race are Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata representing the Labour Party (LP).

With keen competition between these major contenders, the early results from various polling units reflect a dynamic and competitive race.

In Oredo Local Government Area (LGA), at polling unit 11 in Ward 06, the PDP secured 41 votes, APC had 19, and LP garnered 32 votes.

Meanwhile, in Etsako West LGA, Ward 3 Unit 21 reported 30 votes for PDP, 28 for APC, 11 for LP, and 1 for NNPP.

Additional results from PU05, Ward 02 GRA/Etete in Oredo LGA revealed a strong performance for PDP with 58 votes, compared to APC’s 15 and LP’s 12 votes.

In Oredo Ward 1, Unit 18 saw PDP dominate with 104 votes, APC trailed with 25, and LP received 23.

Similar results were observed in Unit 19 where PDP collected 46 votes, APC had 8, and LP got 10. In Unit 20, PDP achieved another significant lead with 105 votes, while APC earned 38, and LP had 10 votes.

Elsewhere, in Ogbe Ward 01 PU62, also in Oredo LGA, PDP led with 19 votes, APC had 13, and LP received 2 votes.

Further results from Ward 11, Unit 14 in Etsako West LGA showed APC leading with 157 votes, PDP garnered 35, ADP scored 2, and LP had 7 votes.

The competition remained fierce in other parts of Edo State.

In Ovia North-East, polling units at Okada Primary School saw mixed results, with PU1 reporting a tie between PDP and APC with 51 votes each, and LP securing 4 votes.

In PU2, PDP had 57 votes, APC followed with 36, and LP received 2. At PU3, PDP earned 45 votes, APC had 25, and LP 1.

Etsako West’s Ward 11 PU13 saw APC take a commanding lead with 136 votes, while PDP followed with 34, and LP with 4.

At PU1 in Uwessan 1, Esan Central LGA, APC received a substantial 102 votes, while PDP and LP each got just 1 vote.

Polling unit 14 in Idumodin, Igbanke West Ward 12, Orhionmwon LGA showed PDP receiving 95 votes, narrowly ahead of APC with 84 votes, while LP had 5.

At another polling unit in the same LGA, APC gathered 67 votes, while PDP had 35, and LP 2.

In the urban centre of Egor LGA, at PU4, Egor Secondary School, PDP took the lead with 32 votes, followed by APC with 21, and LP with 5 votes.

Other notable results include PU7 at Agbor/Ogbokpa Primary School in Esan South-East LGA where APC led with 131 votes, followed by PDP with 78.

As results continue to trickle in from across the state, it remains clear that the Edo governorship election is highly competitive, with the three major parties—PDP, APC, and LP—each vying for control of the state’s political landscape.

The outcome will depend on how the remaining votes are counted in the coming hours, with INEC set to announce more results as they become available.

The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has urged voters to disregard the provocative comments made by some political figures during the campaign for the gubernatorial election.

With over 2.2 million eligible voters poised to elect a new governor today, the LP emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the election rather than getting distracted by inflammatory rhetoric.

The race features three major parties: the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented by Senator Monday Okpebholo; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with Asue Ighodalo as its candidate; and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

Concerns have risen regarding statements made by incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is backing Ighodalo.

Obaseki controversially claimed that the election would be a “do or die” affair, suggesting high stakes and potential violence.

During a campaign event on September 13, Obaseki stated, “This election is a do or die.

Do you want insecurity? Do you want uneducated leaders? Next Saturday, you will vote for the PDP and our next governor, Asue Ighodalo.”

Despite facing backlash, he reiterated this sentiment in a television interview, saying, “It’s a do-or-die affair because if they do, we die.”

Such statements have alarmed many voters. One concerned citizen, Mr. Henry Osariemen, expressed fears that the election could be marred by violence, stating, “Many people are hesitant to vote because politicians have declared war.

A sitting governor calling the election a do or die is serious.” He cited a recent assassination attempt on a local lawmaker as evidence of the dangerous climate surrounding the election.

In response to these developments, Kelly Ogbaloi, the Edo State Chairman of the Labour Party, dismissed Obaseki’s remarks as “worthless propaganda.”

He urged voters to ignore the threats and come out in large numbers to support their preferred candidates.

“We encourage our electorates to dismiss such statements that could lead to self-disqualification from participating in the election,” Ogbaloi said.

He emphasized that the Labour Party is well-prepared and confident in its chances of winning.

The LP’s leadership is determined to rally voters, focusing on the need for a peaceful electoral process.

They encourage the electorate to stay engaged and prioritize their choices over divisive tactics employed by political opponents.

As the election unfolds, the Labour Party is calling for unity among voters to ensure that their voices are heard and that democracy prevails in Edo State.

As the campaign for the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, draws to close, unsettling remarks have surfaced from some political parties.

One party openly acknowledged having presented fake leaders in the past, sparking concerns about what they might offer this time around—perhaps even less credible options.

Another party has fueled tension by declaring the election a do-or-die affair, heightening fears of violence and desperation.

In stark contrast, the Labour Party has taken a different approach. Addressing these concerning statements, Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, reassured the public of his party’s commitment to genuine leadership and peaceful elections.

Speaking to supporters, Obi emphasized that the Labour Party’s focus is on offering leaders with competence, capacity, and compassion, qualities he believes are crucial for driving meaningful change.

“For us, elections are not a war; they are an opportunity to present authentic leadership to the people,” Obi stated passionately.

He criticized the notion of politics being turned into a battlefield, urging voters to reject leaders who see elections as a means of power-grabbing rather than nation-building.

Obi emphasized that true leadership should be about serving the people and fostering development, not about personal gain or manipulation.

Obi’s message was clear: The Labour Party’s vision is for a Nigeria where elections are based on policies, not propaganda or violence.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared, reinforcing the party’s slogan.

He expressed optimism that Edo State could set a new standard in this election by rejecting divisive politics and choosing a path toward progress and good governance.

As Edo State prepares for the polls, Peter Obi’s call for peaceful, issue-based campaigning resonated with many who are weary of political violence and broken promises.

His remarks came as a timely reminder of the importance of electing leaders who are not only competent but also committed to the welfare of the people.