The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has filed a petition contesting the results of the September 21 governorship election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, declared the winner with 291,667 votes against PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes.
At a press conference in Benin, PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi confirmed that the party met the deadline to file its appeal, emphasizing the challenges faced in obtaining election materials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Aziegbemi accused INEC of acting in favor of the APC and called on supporters to remain hopeful, asserting, “We have filed our petition before the election petitions tribunal on your behalf. I assure you that the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun.”
The PDP’s claims include allegations of electoral irregularities and attempts to obstruct their petition.
Aziegbemi refuted accusations that the PDP disrupted the inspection of electoral materials, questioning the motives behind such claims.
In response, APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie dismissed the PDP’s assertions, stating, “The PDP does not have any existing mandate that was stolen.”
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He reinforced the legitimacy of INEC’s declaration of the APC as the election winner and criticized the PDP for making statements while their case is still pending in court.
As tensions rise, both parties are preparing for a protracted legal battle, with the APC appointing former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu to lead its transition committee.
Meanwhile, a pro-democracy group has urged the PDP to accept the election results and refrain from attacking state institutions.
In a statement, the Executive Director of the Initiative for Democratic Advancement and Free Speech, Patrick Osaigbovo, criticized the PDP’s conduct leading up to the election, suggesting it had lost public trust. He called for a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral democracy.
The political climate in Edo remains charged as both parties gear up for the tribunal proceedings, with the outcome expected to have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.
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