A huge number of people were on the ground on Friday as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, campaigned in Edo state as part of his campaign activities for the upcoming Presidential elections.
Africa Today News, New York reports that Mr Obi, who was in Abia State on Thursday for the same reason, said he was grateful for the reception.
‘What an awesome and OBIdient crowd in Benin,’ he said in a tweet. ‘I am deeply humbled by Edo people’s show of love and support.’
While in Benin-City, Mr Obi visited the Oba of Benin and three other Monarchs.
He was also pictured with popular cleric, Apostle Johnson Suleman where he stopped by to pay condolences to the fiery preacher.
Read Also: ‘Obidients’ Will Labour In Vain, Run Out Of Steam – Obaseki
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has defended his government’s decision not to approve the use of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium for a Labour party rally in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, in which was monitored by Africa Today News, New York the Governor said the notice for approval arrived too late.
Mr Obaseki said the government received notice 24 hours to the event.
‘The tracks for that stadium are still under warranty,’ he said. ‘The pitch has to be maintained in a certain mould. So it’s not just another facility you can use without preparing.’
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Obaseki’s party, had used the stadium for a rally on October 22.
He said the PDP met the conditions for using the stadium.
‘And the only reason why we allowed the PDP rally was because it was also used as an opportunity to commission that facility. Otherwise most other rallies are held in other large grounds around the city.’
Mr Obaseki said he was disappointed with the Labour party.
‘I thought they were more serious,’ he said.
Many believe the government’s decision to refuse the stadium’s use for the Labour party was due to Mr Obaseki’s fear of Peter Obi’s rising political profile.