Edo guber election result subversion of people’s will, poll fraught with disregard for rule of law – Obaseki

• Obaseki stated that the election was an anathema to the ideals of democracy and the principles of fair and credible election.

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has stated that the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election does not reflect the will and choice of the people.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission, had on Sunday, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the keenly contested election.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who secured 247,274 and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, who came a distant third with 22,761 votes.

In a statewide broadcast on Sunday night, Obaseki stated that the election was an anathema to the ideals of democracy and the principles of fair and credible election.

The governor said the election was marred by impunity and brazen disregard for rule of law and

He called on residents not to take law in their hands over the election’s outcome and not resort to violence and destruction of property.

The governor also urged aggrieved persons to toe the legal path in voicing their displeasure and grievances, noting that peace and justice will always win over violence.

He said, “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.”

Speaking further, Obaseki claimed that impunity and disregard for the electoral process was displayed during the election, which raises concerns for many election observers.

He added. “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.”