Stories by Tony Osauzo, Benin
Less than three weeks from now, the governorship election in Edo State slated for September 21will hold, barring any last minute hitch in preparation for the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The campaigns for the gubernatorial election are on a final stretch, with participating political parties striving to market their candidates and manifestos to the people to enable them make informed decisions on who to vote for on election day.
Across board, many of the parties, rather than campaign on issues, appear to have deviated and are engaging in personal attacks and character assassination. This is not what Edo people expect. They want to hear what the candidates have in stock for them, their plans to develop the state and improve their standard of living.
Critical observers believe that government is a continuum as no one administration can solve all the problems of state within its lifetime. It is therefore expected of the candidates tell the electorate what they intend to do differently to raise the bar of performance over the previous administration. Campaigns of personal attacks and counter attacks or recriminations are certainly not the route to go to achieve this.
The political parties need to retrace their steps and focus their campaigns on issues, explaining in details, how they intend to change the narratives of underdevelopment and bring the much-needed proverbial dividends of democracy to Edo people.
They should realize that life would continue after campaigns and election and avoid offensive language that would cause animosity and bitterness, all in the name of politics. At all times, persuasive language is what is required to win the hearts and minds of the electorate.
It is therefore not too late for the political parties to chart a new course in their campaigns, knowing that whoever is elected governor will not be governor for his political party but governor of all Edo people. A stitch in time, they, saves nine!
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