As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State draws near, Chief Emeka Charles Kalu, a prominent PDP chieftain, has sounded the alarm on the looming threat of violence before, during, and after the polls.

In an interview with Sunday Independent, Dr. Kalu, National Coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party Coalition (PDPCO), expressed concern over the escalating tensions and verbal clashes between political parties, particularly the APC and PDP.

Kalu cited Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s defamatory statements against PDP gubernatorial candidate Asue Ighodalo as a prime example of the rising tensions.

He demanded a retraction, public and private apology, and threatened a N20 billion lawsuit for character defamation if the demands were not met.

Urging swift action, Kalu called on the federal and state governments to address the situation promptly and prevent the Edo governorship election from being marred by crisis and violence.