EDO: Outcome of poll tragic, travesty of democracy — Obaseki

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has described as undemocratic the outcome of the recently concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State.

The months of intense politicking by different political parties in the state was brought to a close on Sunday when INEC announced APC’s Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the keenly contested election.

INEC’s Returning Officer, Professor Faruk Kúta, who made the announcement late Sunday, said the winner secured a total of 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party who got 247,274 votes and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata who garnered 22,763 votes.

In a post-election address by the governor on Sunday’night, Obaseki condemned the process that produced Okpebholo.

The governor also lamented the rape of justice and democracy in the process, adding the will of the people didn’t prevail.

He however called for calm in the state, assuring his government is committed to the wellbeing of the people.

“The power of democracy is the power it bestows on the people who govern them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it’s not just a tragedy but a travesty of democracy. Regrettably, the outcome of September 21 election appears to have daunted the spirit of many people who feel powerless in the face of the force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It’s therefore understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved”, the governor lamented.

He added, “But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence or destruction of properties in spite of this provocation. Peace and justice will also win at the end and this is my prescription to all people in Edo State.”

Obaseki’s comment is coterminous with grievances being exhibited by most PDP supporters who accused INEC of disregarding electoral laws in the conduct of the poll.

Many people have also taken to the streets to protest the outcome of the election.

 

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