August 16 By-election: Political Parties Rally Support for Their Candidates
August 16 By-election: Political Parties Rally Support for Their Candidates
With just days to the August 16 by-elections, political parties in the affected states are intensifying efforts to garner support for their candidates.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) scheduled the by-elections to fill vacant seats in the National and State Assemblies.
The elections will take place in constituencies such as Anambra South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts; Ovia South West/Ovia South East in Edo; Babura/Garki in Jigawa; Chikun/Kajuru in Kaduna; Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North in Ogun; and Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
In Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party have intensified their campaigns in the Ovia Federal Constituency and Edo Central Senatorial District.
In Ovia, Edo State Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, projected a near-total victory for the APC, promising 98 per cent of the votes for the party’s candidate, Omosede Igbinedion.
Idahosa, who vacated the seat to become deputy governor, cited the APC’s development strides under Governor Monday Okpebholo and Igbinedion’s local appeal as the party’s ticket to victory.
Meanwhile, in Uromi, LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, flagged off the party’s senatorial campaign, urging Edo Central voters to rally behind Paul Okojie.
He described Okojie as the youthful, vibrant voice Edo Central needed in the Senate, adding that the district had been “underrepresented for too long.”
Both candidates pledged to focus on development if elected, while accusing rivals of chasing power for personal gain.
In Oyo, Governor Seyi Makinde called on residents of Ibadan North Local Government to come out en masse and vote for the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the by-election, Folajimi Oyekunle.
The governor made the call on Monday during the official flag-off of the PDP campaign and the presentation of the flag to the candidate at the Bodija International Market, Ibadan.
Makinde, while appreciating the people for their support since the inception of his administration, said victory in the August 16 by-election would be proof that Oyo State belonged to the PDP and that the people recognised and appreciated good governance.
He described Oyekunle as the right candidate for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, as, according to him, his experience as a former member of the House of Assembly and his contributions to the success of the government, having served as Deputy Chief of Staff, would combine to give the constituency the expected good representation.
“Let me tell you that this forthcoming election is very important, because we all need to prove a point that Oyo State is a PDP state.
“So, henceforth, when you go about campaigning from ward to ward, house to house, and some people are saying there is another party that can win apart from the PDP, please tell them it won’t happen in Oyo State.
“Our candidate that you will vote for on the 16th, who will go and represent the people of Ibadan North Federal Constituency, was once a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and he did well. He didn’t disappoint you.
“I chose him as my Deputy Chief of Staff because of his track record and antecedents.
“Based on what he has been able to do as my aide, we know he would deliver if he goes to llll to represent us. That is why we are supporting him,” he said.
Others who rallied support for the PDP Ibadan North candidate included former chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Mr Ademola Omotosho; former deputy governor and PDP chieftain in Ibadan North, Hazeem Gbolarumi; member representing Ibadan North I State Constituency, Gabriel Babajide; and a former member of the Hllllouse of Representatives, Dada Awoleye.
