A prominent leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Edo State, High Chief Don Ojemen, has urged political leaders and public officials to promote tolerance and allow opposition parties to conduct their activities freely ahead of the 2027 general elections. As the Okodalo of Esanland and leader of the NDC State Elders Caucus, Ojemen emphasized the importance of managing political differences through dialogue and the electoral process. He stressed the need to protect citizens' rights to freedom of association, assembly, and expression.
Ojemen's call comes after the July 11, 2026 local government election in Edo State, where the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates winners of all 18 chairmanship seats. The election also covered 192 councillorship seats. Ojemen urged political leaders to respect established electoral processes and allow opposition parties to conduct legitimate political activities. He emphasized that disagreements among political leaders should not affect grassroots participation in the electoral process.
The NDC chieftain encouraged the state government, local government authorities, and political parties to promote peaceful political engagement. He called on stakeholders to ensure that individuals and businesses can participate in political activities without undue interference. Ojemen believes that political competition should ultimately be settled through the ballot box, and stakeholders should reduce tensions and focus on issues affecting residents.
Ojemen also urged political leaders across party lines to respect citizens' rights and maintain peace in Edo State as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections. He emphasized that citizens' rights to freedom of association, assembly, and expression must be protected. The NDC chieftain's call for peaceful political engagement is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process in Edo State.
The recent local government election in Edo State has sparked controversy, with some opposition parties expressing concerns about the electoral process. Ojemen's call for tolerance and peaceful political engagement is seen as a move to address these concerns and promote a peaceful electoral process. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is one of the opposition parties that participated in the election.
High Chief Don Ojemen's leadership role in the NDC and his call for peaceful political engagement have been welcomed by some stakeholders in Edo State. His emphasis on protecting citizens' rights and promoting tolerance is seen as a positive step towards promoting democracy and peaceful coexistence in the state. The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major test of the country's democratic institutions.
As the 2027 general elections approach, stakeholders in Edo State are watching closely to see how the electoral process unfolds. The call for peaceful political engagement by High Chief Don Ojemen is seen as a timely reminder of the importance of promoting tolerance and respect for citizens' rights. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and other opposition parties are expected to play a major role in the upcoming elections.
Key points
- High Chief Don Ojemen urges political leaders to promote tolerance and allow opposition parties to conduct their activities freely ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- Ojemen emphasizes the need to protect citizens' rights to freedom of association, assembly, and expression.
- The NDC chieftain calls for peaceful political engagement and respect for established electoral processes in Edo State.
