Tomorrow’s election in Edo State is more than an election for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; it is a battle for political survival by the one time ruling party against the most resilient threat to it since it first berthed in the state in 1998. Not surprisingly, the party is deploying some of its most formidable captains in the battle to wrest the ship of state from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Edo State is undoubtedly living up to its moniker – the Heartbeat State. A show of force by some of the 25,000 policemen deployed for the election last week was only one among many acts making the hearts of many in the state to beat – beat for fear!

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has charged personnel deployed for the Edo governorship election scheduled for Sept. 28 to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement. A statement from the force spokesman, Mr Don Awunah, in Abuja on Monday said Idris also charged the officers and men to conduct themselves in the best professional manner, maintaining apolitical disposition.

The Edo State Government has exempted banks and corporate organisations from the public holiday declared for Tuesday, September 27.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Edo has said that it will take delivery of sensitive voting materials from the Central Bank of Nigeria in Benin on Monday.

Abdullahi Gana, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has directed the immediate deployment of 20,000 personnel for the Edo governorship election scheduled for Sept. 28.

‘’The people of Edo have concerns over Godwin Obaseki, not only because of his questionable business dealings with Oshiomhole but, more importantly, his inability to account successfully for his academic qualifications”, the PDP candidate added.

THE leadership of the APC in Ihievbe, Owan East Local Government Area yesterday described as mischievous and misleading the claim by some leaders of the PDP in the area that the community and residents have decided to vote en-masse for the PDP.

APC candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki got the support of organised labour at the weekend on the basis of the legendary role of his benefactor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in the nation’s past class struggles.

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA), yesterday accused PDP and the APC of plotting to rig the election due on Wednesday.