Edo 2020: Violent Fight, Clashes Mar Kick-Off Of Obaseki’s Governorship Campaign

Reports of clashes among hoodlums, leading to the destruction of billboards, cars, and other valuables were reported in Edo State on Saturday as Governor Godwin Obaseki flagged off his re-election campaign.

The launch of the Governor’s campaign held at the lawn tennis court of the refurbished Ogbe Stadium, Benin the state capital.

The event was attended by the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus who presented the flag to Governor Obaseki.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State; Bayelsa Governor, Senator Duoye Diri; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike; and his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde all attended the event.

Others were Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed; Senator Dino Melaye; Ondo State deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi; Senate Minority Whip, Enyinnaya Abaribe and a host of others.

The violence was said to have started as a result of clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – the two major parties in the state over the demolition of posters and campaign billboards.

The windshields of some innocent residents who were caught up in the clash were also damaged by the clashing political thugs.

At the event, Governor Obaseki, flanked by his deputy and running mate Phillip Shaibu, explained that he left the APC due to the many cases of lawlessness in the party and urged his own supporters to shun violence.

He added that he was confident of the support of the people which will translate to victory at the polls in the scheduled September 19 governorship election in the state.

He said: “I heard that they are destroying PDP billboards and posters. Please, do not retaliate. I left there because of the lawlessness.”