Major Parties Absent as LP, PRP,ADC Candidates Shine in Edo Governorship Election Debate
1 min readMajor Parties Absent as LP, PRP,ADC Candidates Shine in Edo Governorship Election Debate
By Joy Richardson
The Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) has expressed disappointment over the absence of the two major political parties, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the Edo Governorship Election Debate. The debate was organized by the Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON) in collaboration with the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.
Mr. Eddie Emessiri, Executive Secretary of NEDG, voiced his displeasure, stating that the refusal of these parties to participate in such a crucial debate undermines democratic values and shows a disregard for the electorate.
Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata, condemned the decision of the PDP and APC candidates to skip the debate, viewing it as an insult to the voters. He emphasized the importance of engaging with the public and presenting clear plans for the state’s development.
Similarly, PRP candidate Mrs. Ofure Indidi Key and ADC candidate Mr. Derick Izoduwa urged Edo residents to reject parties that refuse to articulate their vision for the state and fail to provide a governance blueprint.
Despite the absence of the major parties, the debate saw participation from other political candidates and was well-attended by political supporters, media executives, and notable figures like Comrade Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the NUJ Edo State Council, and the Chairperson of NAWOJ Edo State.