Edo Election: Fuel Price Hike, Poverty, Hunger to Decide Votes – APC Chieftain

The forthcoming governorship election in Edo State will be significantly influenced by the hike in fuel price, poverty, hunger, and growing inflation in the country, according to John Mayaki, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mayaki, in a statement, noted that many individuals hold the ruling APC at the federal level responsible for these pressing issues. He cited a recent survey, which revealed general dissatisfaction and discontent among a majority of people across Edo State.

Respondents expressed concerns about their declining standard of living, despondency, and pervasive poverty, all of which they attribute to the policies of the ruling party.

“The ongoing electoral campaigns in Edo State have been dominated by national issues, including widespread hardship, endemic poverty, job losses and unemployment, inflation, poor and impassable federal roads, the removal of fuel subsidies resulting in higher pump prices and scarcity, and insecurity,” Mayaki said.

“These problems have been widely blamed on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC. An independent opinion poll conducted by researchers and journalists specializing in pre-election monitoring has revealed general dissatisfaction and discontent among a majority of people across Edo State. Respondents expressed concerns about their declining standard of living, despondency, and pervasive poverty, all of which they attribute to the policies of the ruling party.”

The declining state of the federal road connecting the Auchi/Agbede route to the Irrua/Ekpoma/Iruekpen and Benin areas is a significant issue in Edo Central. Residents attribute the hardships faced by commuters to the APC-led federal government, expressing disbelief that anyone would support a party that has contributed to their economic struggles.

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Furthermore, citizens in Benin City are expressing their discontent regarding the rising cost of living, escalating fuel prices, food shortages, inflation, and eliminating fuel subsidies.

In a related development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the closure of the media accreditation portal for the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21, 2024. The portal will close at midnight tonight, with no extensions.

So far, 113 media organizations have registered 865 journalists to cover the election. INEC urged media organizations to act promptly to secure their participation in the election coverage.