The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, says that the September 28 date fixed for the election will disenfranchise his people. He accused the Independent National Elect0ral Commission (INEC) of not making its reason for postponing the election, initially scheduled for September 10, public.

Speaking in Benin, yesterday, Ize-Iyamu blamed the elect0ral umpire for not consulting with his party before shifting the date of the election. He said that the new date was deliberately chosen to disenfranchise voters in Edo South Senatorial District, which he claimed was his strong base.

He said that on the day of the election, many people would be busy witnessing some activities tied to the coronation of the Oba of Benin, which would hold on September 26.

Ize-Iyamu, however, called eligible voters across the state to remain calm and law abiding. He urged his supporters to remain hopeful, saying that victory would be theirs at the end of the day. He said that the PDP would cooperate with the authorities to ensure hitch-free election, expressing his confidence in the capacity of the INEC and security agencies to deliver credible, free and fair election in Edo State.