…..Says APC candidate lack capacity and moral to contest electionÂ
By Yahaya Idris, Edo
People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State is advocating for a political debate among Gubernatorial candidates ahead of fixed September 21 election.
This, the PDP said it will afford the candidates to engage in a formal discussion and exchange ideas on various issues bordering Edo people.
The debate will also hold candidates accountable for their policies, positions, provide voters with a clearer understanding of each candidate’s vision and plans, encourage critical thinking and analysis among voters, foster a more informed and engaged electorate and Promote transparency and accountability in governance
The PDP in a statement issued by Rev Olu Martins, Deputy Director General Media and Publicity for Asue/Ogie Campaign Management Council announced the governing party in Edo readiness to join the call for the APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo to make his first public appearance, either in a physical TownHall, television or radio stations, to speak to Edo people on his plans for Edo people.
Three months after Senator Okpebholo emerged candidate of the APC through a controversial primary process, he is yet to speak to Edo people on any organised physical forum, or through known electronic media of television or radio.
Several television stations including renowned stations like Channels and Arise have made repeated calls for his appearance and all such calls have proved abortive. Even Comrade Adams Oshiomhole was begged by Channels TV to bring him, but the man continues to run away from all such public engagements. We believe that another golden opportunity presents itself again. We are shocked that he is shunning it again, and is recruiting his aides to go and speak for him.
WHEN WILL OKPEBHOLO SPEAK TO EDO PEOPLE?
The candidate of our party, Dr Asue Ighodalo has continued to engage the people of Edo State on all known electronic platforms and sometimes at the shortest possible notice.
We are willing at whatever time and location to debate the candidate of the APC on any physical forum, or on reputable radio and television stations, at any time or day.
Only the candidates of political parties can speak better about and for themselves as our candidate Dr Asue Ighodalo has been doing. No barber can cut anyone’s hair in his absence in the same way no one can speak better for a candidate other than the candidate himself.
Any debate therefore that would not involve the candidates of the political parties, especially that of the APC, who has not found it reasonable to engage freely the Edo people cannot be seen to do credible and would be to no effect!
