John Mayaki, a former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, has highlighted that the upcoming Edo 2024 governorship election, scheduled for September 21, will be shaped by critical issues such as fuel price increases, scarcity, poverty, hunger, and inflation,Daily Trust reports.
Citing a recent poll, Mayaki pointed out that many people attribute these challenges to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the federal level.
In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Mayaki said, “The ongoing electoral campaigns in Edo State have been dominated by national issues, including widespread hardship, endemic poverty, job losses, unemployment, inflation, poor and impassable federal roads, the removal of fuel subsidies leading to higher pump prices and scarcity, and insecurity.”
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He noted that these problems have largely been blamed on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
“An independent opinion poll conducted by researchers and journalists specializing in pre-election monitoring has shown widespread dissatisfaction and discontent among the majority of people across Edo State. Respondents expressed concerns about their declining standard of living, despondency, and pervasive poverty, all of which they attribute to the policies of the ruling party.”
In Edo Central, the poor condition of the federal road from the Auchi/Agbede axis to the Irrua/Ekpoma/Iruekpen and Benin axis is a significant concern. Residents are blaming the suffering of commuters on the APC-led federal government and questioning why they should vote for a party that they feel has impoverished them.
In Benin City, Mayaki claimed that residents are expressing frustration over the high cost of living, rising fuel prices, food scarcity, inflation, and the removal of fuel subsidies.
“The general dissatisfaction with the current administration is shared by most people in Edo, regardless of party affiliation,” he added. “This sentiment is likely to influence their decision when they go to the polls on September 21st to elect Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor.”
Mayaki also criticized the APC’s campaign in the state, citing the perceived shortcomings of its candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. He mentioned that Okpebholo has faced criticism for not sharing his governance plans and vision, with reports suggesting that he is avoiding scrutiny due to a lack of fluency in English, which is attributed to illiteracy.
“His campaign has been marred by numerous blunders, leaving analysts struggling to identify his economic positions or policy proposals,” Mayaki concluded.
