Edo 2024: ADC Candidate Slams APC, PDP Flag Bearers For Boycotting Governorsip Debate, Insists Their Time"s Up P

izedonmwen.                             
                                                   

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

The governorsip candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Saturday September, 21 Edo Election, Mr. Derek Izedonmwen has slammed the candidates of the two major political parties for their refusal not to show up at the recent Governorship Debate.

Speaking in Benin at the debate which was organized by the Nigeria Elections Debate Group (NEDG), Mr. Izedonmwen lamented that Edo People are very pessimistic about Edo State and was in the race to rescue the state from its present sorry state to an industrial power house.

He said: "We are facing a great economic imbalance in Nigeria today. Our people are facing serious hardship because of terrible decisions being taken by people at the top."

It's disturbing that the big parties are not here. The change that we seek for our state doesn't start with the big parties. It's somewhere else. They have disenfranchised us. They don't hold the key to our progress. 

The governorsip candidate said that the absence of the duo of Mr. Asue Ighodalo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not just a disdain for dialogue by them but they also took Edo people for granted. 

Ahead of the forthcoming election, he added that Edo people deserve leaders who are accountable to them instead of hiding in their dark rooms and preparing for war.

He said: "Edo State is not at war. It's only at war with selfish individuals. It's at peace. We'll not, under our watch allow the big parties to wage war in Edo State. We're ready to make serious decisions for a peaceful election.

"It's game over for the big parties. Edo people must teach them a lesson. We call on Edo people to reject such arrogance. Use your PVC to reject such arrogance. Edo people must choose leaders who are ready to serve you with humility."

Mr. Izedonmwen said that leadership begins with the candidates, adding that it's their responsibility as candidates to lead by example. 

While cautioning against inflammatory speeches by politicians, he insisted that as candidates, they must ensure that their conduct and utterances are exemplary so that their followers can take the lead from their actions, adding: 

"We must show examples to our followers by conducting ourselves with decorum. People are pessimistic about Edo State. I want to rescue the state from its present sorry state to an industrial power house."

Mr. Izedonmwen continued: "We are facing a great economic imbalance in Nigeria today. Our people are facing serious hardship because of terrible decisions being taken by people at the top. These people have never stood before our people to talk of public and economic policies of what they want to do."