By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City

The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for the 2020 Governorship Election has limited the number of members and supporters expected at the flag-off ceremony, in strict compliance with the coronavirus (COVID-19) directives issued by the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for public gatherings.

The campaign flag-off is slated to hold  Saturday, July 25, 2020 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

In a statement, the party's Publicity Secretary, Chris Osa Nehikhare, on behalf of the Edo PDP Campaign Council, said the PDP governorship candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his running mate, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, will also move round the respective wards in the nooks and crannies of Edo State to acknowledge the support of the people, also with full adherence to COVID-19 regulations.

The statement reads: "The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will on Saturday flag off campaign for the September 19 Edo State Governorship election with strict compliance with coronavirus (COVID-19) directives issued by the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for public gatherings.

"In that regard, the Edo PDP Campaign Council for the 2020 Governorship Election has limited the number of members and supporters expected at the flag-off ceremony, slated to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, to check overcrowding.

"Furthermore, our governorship candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki and his running mate, Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, will also move round the respective wards in the nooks and crannies of Edo State to acknowledge the support of the people, also with full adherence to COVID-19 regulations."

The PDP added: "The Edo PDP Campaign Council deeply appreciates the excitement and enthusiasm of our teeming members and supporters to grace the campaign flag-off, but noted that the restriction is in the best interest of the people."

The Campaign Council thanked the people of Edo State for their massive support and urged them to remain vigilant as they coast to victory with Governor Obaseki and the PDP, come September 19.