Voters speak on expectations

Ahead of the Edo State governorship election, residents of Benin City have expressed concerns on how the election will unfold. While some residents believe the election will be free, fair and peaceful, others expressed fear of the possibility of violence, citing the charged rhetoric from political actors across the three major parties. However, majority of voters who spoke to Weekend Trust expressed their determination to go out and cast their votes for their preferred candidates and parties, while others said the incendiary remarks from political leaders might discourage them from participating if they anticipate violence.

Dada Ayokha, Lecturer/Media Consultant

I don’t expect any violence during the election. Pre-election tension and violence are common, but on Election Day, everyone will vote peacefully for their preferred candidate. It’s up to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do the right thing. Vote-buying has become part of our elections, though it’s evolved. Now, it happens days before the election rather than on the day itself. In 2020, people also expected violence, but nothing happened.

Agho Omobude, Coordinator General, Edo State Civil Society Organisation

My expectations for this election are that it will be transparent, peaceful and credible. As civil society organisations, our message is clear: we want to count votes, not dead bodies. However, we are concerned about the divisive language from political parties. Security forces must step up and remove arms from unauthorised persons to ensure a peaceful election. We also urge security agents to curb vote-buying by arresting both buyers and sellers because without a willing seller, there’s no buyer. All we want is a peaceful election where Edo people can vote their conscience.

Kingsley Wilson, 35, Driver

People are worried about potential violence, but I don’t think it will happen. I’ve never voted before, but this time, I will vote for the Labour Party and Barrister Olumide Akpata. My hope is that the election won’t be rigged. I urge people not to sell their votes but to vote their conscience. Some of my friends say they won’t vote because of fear of violence.

Solomon Okharedia, 30, Newspaper Vendor

I expect people to come out and vote their conscience. Politicians will try to bribe them with rice, money, clothes and other items, but they shouldn’t take it. After the election, the politicians will abandon them, and hunger will persist. I’m confident people will turn out to vote, and I don’t think there will be violence. I’ll definitely vote for my chosen candidate.

Steven Empire,

I’ll come out to vote, and I’m not anticipating any violence. I’ve voted for APC and PDP in the past, but I haven’t seen any benefit. It’s time to try another party to see if the state can move forward. I want INEC and the police to ensure a free and fair election.