Buhari 'congratulates' Obaseki on Edo election victory

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Godwin Obaseki, the Edo All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in advance, ahead of the September 10 election in the state. Speaking at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin, Edo state capital and venue of the APC grand finale campaign, Buhari tipped Obaseki to emerge as Edo state next governor. He told the APC governorship candidate shortly after addressing the crowd: “Congratulation to you already.” Buhari arrived in Benin City to campaign for APC ahead of state governorship election. It was gathered that Buhari’s aircraft landed at exactly 10:20 am, after which the president made his way to venue of the rally.

2.23pm’ It is a wrap! the National anthem is sang as Buhari leads other dignitaries out of the venue, waving at the mammoth crowd at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin. 2.22pm’ After a short speech, Buhari tells Obaseki: “Congratulation to you already.” 2.22pm’ Buhari says: “We are going to make Nigeria great again.” 2.20pm’ Buhari describes Godwin Obaseki as a seasoned person. He tells Edo people: “Vote the incredible team.“ 2.17pm’ Buhari says: “We have no other nation like Nigeria.” 2.15pm’ President Buhari says he is pleased to be in Edo state and he is grateful to Governor Oshiomhole for inviting him.

2.10pm’ Obaseki hands over the microphone to Chief Oyegun who then invites President Buhari to the podium. 2.07pm’ Obaseki urges the people to vote for continuity. He promises 200,000 minimum jobs every year to the people of Edo state if he is voted in. He says his government will empower the youths and continue the good works of Oshiomhole.

2.06pm’ Obaseki says: “If Buhari wasn’t president of Nigeria, I won’t be running to be Governor of Edo state.” He expresses his gratitude to the president, adding that Oshiomhole’s feat also made him run for the governorship seats. 2.04pm’ After a short remark to the supporters, Chief Oyegun calls out APC guber candidate Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shuaibu to the podium as Oshiomhole takes his seat. 2pm’ Oyegun says: “In seven and the half years, Edo state has changed.” 1.57pm’ Oyegun says: “Oshiomhole has done his bit and he is very passionate, visionary and committed. We want continuity.” 1.55pm’ Chief Oyegun welcomes everyone present at the rally to Edo state. 1.52pm’ After over 45 minutes of spitting fire, Oshiomhole finally urges the people to come out en masse to vote in Godwin Obaseki as his administration gradually winds down. He is applauded massively as he dances to the amusement of the supporters. Next in line to give his speech is Chief John Odigie Oyegun, the APC national chairman.

1.50pm’ Oshiomhole says: “President Buhari has promised to give the people of Esan LGA good water.” 1.45pm’ Oshiomhole lists his achievements as he wonders what change the PDP plans to bring to the people. 1.40pm’ Oshiomhole tells the APC supporters: “You don’t have any candidate worth voting for in the PDP.”

1.35pm’ Oshiomhole says: “PDP never invested in roads, light or education in Edo state during their administration.“ 1.33pm’ Oshiomhole says: “Under PDP, there was discriminatory school fees.” He says the APC abolished it as the party believes in one Nigeria. 1.32pm’ Oshiomhole says: “Under Buhari, the world appreciates we have a leader.” 1.29pm’ Oshiomhole says the campaign is not an entertainment show, adding that the Edo election has just two candidates. “Godwin Obaseki of the APC and the other candidate from a faction of a opposition party,” Oshiomhole says. 1.25pm’ Oshiomhole describes Buhari as a seasoned leader. He says: “I fought like an orphan in the opposition but today our baba (Buhari) is here.” 1.20pm’ Governor Oshiomhole says: “Today is my happiest day” as acknowledges President Buhari and other dignitaries at the rally.