October 14, (THEWILL) – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a petition against the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 Governorship Election in Edo State.
THEWILL reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, on September 22, declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC, as the winner of the governorship election after he polled 291,667 votes to beat his closest rival, candidate of the PDP, Dr Asuerinme Ighodalo, who scored 247,274. Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), came a distant third with 22,763.
While the PDP-accredited observers including Yiaga Africa, faulted INEC, they alleged manipulation of the election results.
Speaking on Monday in Benin City, the Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed optimism that the election petition Tribunal would dispense justice in the petition.
Aziegbemi, who described the outcome of the election as the “Darkness Day of Edo State”, said: “We know many of you and indeed Edolites would have been wondering why we have not engaged you after the saddest day in the history of Edo State.
“The stealing of your mandate and right to freely choose who will govern you in the next 4 years after the spectacular performance of our amiable Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“Let me on behalf of the PDP express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all Edolites that came out en masse on the 21st of September, 2024 to cast your votes for the PDP in spite of the unprecedented militarisation and financial inducement by the APC.
“We are here to let you know that your vote will eventually count. You stared at the barrel of the gun, took their (our) money (in most cases fifteen thousand per vote) and voted for the PDP
“The unthinkable then happened, Your votes were discarded. You were violated, they thought that they could silence your choice. That will not happen. We are going to be with you all the way.
“We have filed our petition before the Election Tribunal on your behalf. I assure you that the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun and by the grace of God, your mandate will be returned.”
