As the Edo State gubernatorial election approaches this Saturday, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has assured voters that they hold the power to prevent any attempts to manipulate the election results.

Speaking in Benin on Wednesday during a large rally in support of Olumide Akpata, the LP candidate for governor, Obi made it clear that the electorate will play a key role in safeguarding the election’s integrity.

He emphasized the importance of the people’s participation in ensuring a free and fair election, urging them to be vigilant and proactive in resisting any efforts by individuals or groups aiming to rig the process.

Obi’s remarks were met with enthusiasm by the gathered supporters, who are hopeful that their votes will count and that the election will reflect the will of the people.

The rally, held as the final event in Akpata’s campaign, attracted a large turnout, demonstrating the growing support for the Labour Party in Edo State.

Obi, in his address, reinforced his belief in the power of the people to shape their future through the ballot box, stressing that they should not allow any forces to undermine their democratic rights.

As the election draws near, the Labour Party is positioning itself as a strong contender, with Akpata’s candidacy receiving widespread attention.

Obi’s presence at the rally underscored the party’s commitment to a transparent electoral process and the need for citizens to actively defend their right to choose their leaders without interference.

Pharrell Williams has criticized celebrities for endorsing political candidates, stating that he prefers to avoid political involvement.

In an interview, he expressed frustration with celebrities influencing voter decisions and emphasized his focus on humanitarian work rather than politics. Williams prefers to stay out of political debates and focus on action, in contrast to recent celebrity endorsements like Taylor Swift’s for the 2025 election.

DIG Frank Mbah commented on vote buying, stating that in economies plagued by illiteracy, hunger, and poverty, politicians are likely to exploit these vulnerabilities. He acknowledged the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing this issue but emphasized that they will do what they can to curb such practices. His remarks highlight the intersection of socioeconomic factors and election integrity.