Nasiru Yusuf

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state, who is the Chairman APC Gubernatorial Election in Edo state, and his former boss Rabi’u Kwankwaso have visited Northern community residing in Edo state soliciting votes for their candidates.

At a special campaign rally at Eyean/Kara Junction 2+2, a densely populated community of Northerners, that took place, Sunday, Mr Ganduje told them that, the upcoming Saturday election, was a struggle for freedom and emancipation.

He challenged the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that what Edo people need is “An indigenous governor who has indigenous knowledge of the state and who was born, bred and schooled in Edo state.

“We are here for a history, for a memorable occasion. History has been made here today. This election is won by the Grace of Allah, as we are presenting to you, somebody who is loved by his people. People should come out and vote enmasse.”

Mr Ganduje urged the Northern communities to continue living in peace with their host reminding them that security is one of the major concerns of APC in the state.

Former National Chairman of the party Adams Oshiomhole and the gubernatorial candidate Ize-Iyamu expressed their profound appreciation, and charged the gathering to vote APC in the forthcoming governorship election.

The former governor of Kano state and senator representing Kano central in the Senate Ibrahim Shekarau, who spoke at the rally, urged voters to always be ready to support the party during the polls, adding that, “Voters should strive hard to conduct themselves peacefully during the election. I am also urging you to work hard and pray hard.”

Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the gubernatorial candidate for APC, promised to bring back peace and security of the state, when elected into office, come September 19th, this year.

Arewa community endorses APC

Chairman of All Arewa Communities in Edo state Badamasi Babangida, who spoke on behalf of all Arewa communities in the state, assured the gathering that, their votes were entirely for APC’s Ize-Iyamu at the governorship polls.

He recalled that, Arewa communities started facing challenges in Edo state shortly after 8 year tenure of Oshiomhole when the current governor Godwin Obaseki started running the affairs of the state.

He later presented a Letter of Endorsement to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Ize-Iyamu through governor Ganduje reassuring their total and unalloyed support to his candidature.

Mr Ganduje has also paid a visit to the Enogie of Eyaen, Osazuwa Iduriase in his palace where he commended the him for a peaceful reign over his jurisdiction.

“Your Royal Highness we are in Edo to address the Northern communities and ask for their support to vote for our candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial election, slated for this Month of September, on 19th.”

“As we are aware that our traditional rulers are fathers to all, we still believe that, good children seek blessings of their fathers. That is why we are here,” he said.

The visit, according to the governor, marks the beginning of good relationship between Kano state and the palace of the Enogie.

In his brief remarks, the Enogie showed his appreciation of the visit and thanked the governor for the respect accorded them few months back when the Oba of Benin was in Kano for a special visit then.

“I am, on behalf of my people, commending you, Your Excellency, the governor of Kano state, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for promoting peaceful election in our state,” he concluded.

Kwankwaso commissions Hajj Camp

Also on Saturday the former governor of Kano state Rabi’u Kwankwaso has accompanied the Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki to seek the votes of Northern community residing in Benin City, Edo state.

Mr Kwankwaso has also commissioned Edo state Hajj Camp in Benin city with an appeal to Muslim community to turn out en masse on September 19 to vote PDP.

He described governor Obaseki as the bridge builder between Northern Nigeria and southern part of the country.

The former governor commended Obaseki’s sterling performance in his four year term, noting that he deserved reelection to consolidate on this achievement.

“Let me also thank Edo people and Muslims in the state for supporting present administration in the state.

“This is the  time for all of us who have our Permanent Voter’s Card (PVCs) and are eligible to vote to come out en masse and ensure that we cast our votes for the PDP.

“I equally appeal to all of you especially those from the Northern part of the country to ensure you cast votes for the PDP come September 19, 2020.

“Please vote for the PDP, defend your votes and ensure Obaseki and his deputy, Shaibu win the forthcoming election in the state. I also call on you to ensure you pray for a peaceful atmosphere in the state.

“On the day of the election remember what the governor has done for the Muslims as well as the entire people of Edo state. I am glad to have an opportunity to commission this Hajj Camp. Thank you, your excellency for the way you handled Muslims as well as the support you have given to them in the state,” Kwankwaso added.

In his remarks the PDP governorship candidate Obaseki thanked the Muslims for ensuring peaceful coexistence with people of other religions in the state as the peace enjoyed in the state has led to the development recorded in all the local government areas.

“We should see our strength in diversity. As a government we are for all Edo people. We have never had any difficult in attending to the needs of Edo,” the governor said.

Mr Obaseki applauded former governor Kwankwaso for participating in the commissioning of Hajj Camp in the state, assuring the Muslim community of more developmental projects if reelected.