**Major issues at the major political rally in Benin for the 2023 Edo state elections**
The recent political rally in Benin, during which the candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, expressed strong messages in favour of a free, fair and credible election for the position of governor of Edo on September 21, highlights issues of paramount importance for democracy in Nigeria.
At the event, Mr Obi underlined the determination of the people of Edo to oppose any attempt at electoral rigging by the political parties in the race. He affirmed that the Labour Party was the bearer of the change needed for Edo, a change that would benefit the masses of the people of the state above all. He particularly highlighted the commitment of the party candidate to repair the federal roads linking Edo without waiting for action from the central government. This vision contrasts with the tendency of some governors to delegate their responsibilities to the federal government, to the detriment of their fellow citizens. Mr. Obi thus promised that local issues would be directly addressed by the Edo government if he were to be elected.
In line with this dynamic, Prof. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Mr. Obi’s running mate in the 2023 presidential race, called on Labour Party supporters to seize their numerical weight to ensure the victory of their candidate. He encouraged them to stand firm, vote massively and defend their votes, stressing that power ultimately belongs to the people. Similarly, Senator Neda Imasuen urged the party’s supporters to capitalize on past successes and replicate them on September 21.
For his part, Olumide Akpata, the candidate of the Labour Party, called on his supporters to use their votes to oust the People’s Democratic Party from the Edo governorate. This statement illustrates a tough political competition and the desire for change expressed by a section of the population.
Beyond the speeches and electoral promises, this political event in Benin highlights essential issues for the democratic future of Nigeria. The mobilization of citizens, their vigilance in the face of attempts at electoral fraud, and the desire for renewal of political actors appear to be key elements for the consolidation of democracy and the progress of the country. September 21 will undoubtedly be a crucial moment for Edo and for the whole of Nigeria.