Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has appealed to residents to remain calm following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) announcement of Monday Okpebholo as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election.
Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) with 22,761 votes.
However, Obaseki claimed in a statement that the election was marred by a disregard for processes and the rule of law.
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved,” Obaseki said.
“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election.”
The governor also noted that “the attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them,” but said that “when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.”
Obaseki urged those who were upset by the outcome to seek redress through legal means rather than resorting to violence or destruction.
He also called on the people of Edo to continue with their daily lives, reassuring them that the government remains committed to their security and well-being during this period of uncertainty.
The statement reads, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.
“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved.
“But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.
“Peace and justice will always win in the end and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.
“Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning, the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election
“In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.
“With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.”
