Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
I write to you as a concerned citizen and as a representative of the government closest to the people. It is with a sense of duty and urgency that I address the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Edo State.
Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its democratic journey. Our actions, particularly in the electoral process, will either fortify the foundations of our democracy or erode the trust of the people. In this context, I urge you to resist any temptation to influence the outcome of the Edo State gubernatorial election in favor of the APC candidate. Ordinarily, I would not speak if there were no glaring signs and allegations surrounding this matter.
Your leadership has consistently underscored the importance of free, fair, and credible elections. This principle is essential to maintaining the integrity of our democracy. Any attempt to manipulate the electoral process not only betrays this principle but also risks eroding public trust in our democratic institutions.
Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge that you won the presidency with only 36.6% of the votes, a figure that remains questionable to many. This context makes it even more imperative for your tenure and legacy to be associated with fairness and integrity in all electoral processes, including the upcoming election in Edo State.
Moreover, I must draw your attention to the candidacy of Barr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP gubernatorial candidate of Edo State. He is not a stranger to you, having excelled in the corporate world and as a distinguished legal luminary. We have witnessed attempts to undermine the best ward Congress and party primaries held in the history of Nigeria.
Additionally, we have seen efforts by the opposition to interfere in the affairs of the PDP, alongside the arrest, trailing, and surveillance of numerous PDP chieftains. This is not the democracy you fought for in the 90s; that democracy must always be protected at all costs.
Any efforts to disqualify Barr. Asue Ighodalo through flimsy court judgments would be a grave disservice to the democratic process. Such actions could be perceived as an orchestrated attempt to undermine the will of the people, potentially leading to widespread unrest and anger among the good people of Edo State.
The people of Edo State, like all Nigerians, deserve to choose their leaders in an environment free of coercion and manipulation. They are watching closely and expect nothing less than a transparent and fair election. Any deviation from this expectation risks inciting riots and compromising the peace and stability of the state.
As the leader of our great nation, your legacy will be defined by your commitment to upholding democratic values. Ensuring a free and fair election in Edo State will not only honor this commitment but also set a positive precedent for future elections across Nigeria.
I trust in your wisdom and your dedication to the principles of democracy. Let us work together to safeguard the future of our nation by ensuring that the will of the people is respected and upheld.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Hon. Engr. Clement Asuelimhen
Chairman, Igueben LGA