Idumonza Isidahomhen, the Social Democratic Party, SDP, aspirant in the Edo Central bye election for Senate, in this interview with selected journalists, says God is with SDP in the race.
The media practitioner added that nobody can rig the election to deny Esan the legislative freshness SDP is bringing to the table.
Excerpt:
Why are you vying for the office of Edo Central Senatorial District under the platform of the SDP instead of that of the PDP or APC that are more popular in Edo State?
Well, it may interest you to know that I have been a card carrying member of SDP for over a decade.
I am one of the oldest members of the party in the State with no record of double dealings or anti party activities.
I am not just a member but a financial member.
My commitments to the ideals and philosophy of SDP remain unwavering.
In 2015, I approached my good people in Esan land for Senate votes.
I explained to them the reasons SDP is the best political party that can liberate the community from the economic quagmire PDP and APC have, at various times, unleashed on them despite given them their votes.
They saw sense in what I said and they voted for me but the votes were not enough to declare me the winner.
In 2019, I approached my people again. Greater number of the voters supported and voted for me.
Therefore, how do I go back to the people and begin to preach the gospel of another party to seek their votes?
That means I am taking them for granted. How could I have told them that SDP is the best only to turn around in the next election circle and begin to wav the flag of another political party?
That means I didn’t do my home work well before coming to my Esan people with SDP sermon.
That is instability of the mind and focus.
That is what the Bible partly refers as “double mindedness” in the book of James Chapter 1 verse 8, which the Holy book further describes as “Unstable in all they do.”
I am not like that. I am a man with balanced emotion and balanced all-round intelligence.
When I get to the Senate through God’s grace, Esan will benefit tremendously from the federal government development supports initiatives.
That is the reason I am there and I will deliver.
Unlike the PDP and APC senators that could not attract anything to Esan except buying okada and grinding machines for few individuals, what SDP will attract to Esan will be legacy projects that generation yet unborn will benefit from.
I am from Idumonza family. We are articulate and meticulous in our ways.
Since 2014 when I joined SDP till date, I have never waved in my conviction that the party is what Esan needs, going forward.
SDP laid solid foundation for Edo when it nurtured the State at infancy in the early 90s.
PDP and APC have, at various times, mutilated the plans in the past 26 years of democratic rebirth and that is regrettable.
You see, one of the best things we can do for ourselves as Esan people in this bye election is to shun APC and PDC.
A foremost sign that an aspirant cannot deliver on his or her mandate if elected is to contest under PDP or APC.
Try and review their performance index from the presidency to council level and you will understand what I am saying.
Once you win an election under APC or PDP, the leaders will suffocate the last breadth out of you and manipulate the hell out of your existence.
You service their expensive life style including their concubines.
In the end, you wouldn’t be able to impact the lives of the people that voted you into office.
You will also not be able to improve the living conditions of the people in the community and of course, you wouldn’t have tangible things to show for your stewardship.
For instance, take a review of the performance records of APC and PDP senators that have represented Edo Central in the past 26 years and point out any development they have attracted to Esan.
You can’t point out any one.
The situation is that bad.
Therefore, why should my good people of Esan reward such monumental failures with a single vote in this bye election?
APC and PDP should not get one single vote in this bye election because they don’t deserve it.
I trust my Esan people. They are intelligent. They are smart. They deserve the best across the five council areas and 35 kingdoms with Ojies [traditional rulers}. They know what is good for them and they will vote SDP.
SDP represents the ideals of integrity, equity, and a people-first approach to governance, which align with my vision for Edo Central.
Unlike the PDP and APC, with history of unfulfilled promises, the SDP offers a platform that prioritizes grassroots development and inclusivity. My decision is based on my belief that the people deserve a credible alternative that truly focuses on their welfare rather than personal or party interests.
Electoral malpractice is a major trend in Nigeria’s electoral process, and this on many occasions has hindered credibility in the declaration of election results. What do you think can be done to prevent or reduce to the barest minimum the issue of electoral malpractice?
To tackle electoral malpractice, we must prioritize the full implementation of the Electoral Act, which provides for electronic transmission of results to minimize human interference.
Strengthening the independence of the electoral umpire and ensuring adequate training for its staff is also critical. Additionally, we need to increase voter education to empower citizens to reject inducement and malpractice.
Security agencies must remain non-partisan and proactive in curbing violence and intimidation during elections.
Ultimately, all stakeholders—including political parties, civil society, and voters—must commit to upholding the sanctity of the ballot box and this is very important.
Besides, in SDP, we are confident of the power of our people who are disillusioned by APC’s and PDP’s anti progressive tendencies.
They will resist all the temptations of inducement. They will vote massively for SDP and protect the votes.
By God’s grace, there will be no post election litigation because the margin of defeat, against those parties that rely on rigging, will be so wide in a manner that going to court will be waste of time.
