Edo NLC Chairman Warns of Unrest if PDP Candidate Loses Gubernatorial Election

Tensions are escalating in Edo State following statements made by Odion Olaye, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo, during a recent campaign event in Egor, Benin City.

Olaye, in his remarks, strongly endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

His comments, particularly a warning that the state “will burn” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not declare Ighodalo the winner, have sparked concerns about potential unrest.

In a viral video, Olaye assured PDP supporters that the party would win Egor with 80% of the vote. However, his statement regarding post-election violence has drawn significant criticism.

Olaye said, “I want to assure you that PDP, our party, is going to win Egor 80 percent come 21st of this month, and on 22nd of this month, they must declare Asue Ighodalo the winner. If they refuse to do that, Edo State will burn.”

The comments come amidst allegations from the state PDP Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to use fake INEC staff to tamper with election processes. The APC has dismissed the claims, with Media Director of its campaign council, Prince Kassim Afegbua, calling them baseless.

Stakeholders are urging calm and a commitment to the democratic process in light of the upcoming election.