Edo 2024: Opposition kicks as INEC officially declares Okpebholo winner
…Announce authentic results from polling units to avert crisis – PDP warns APC, INEC
…PDP backs Fintiri, alleges manipulation of result
…AAC condemns INEC’s conduct, calls for mass protests
By Our Correspondent
The Edo State governorship election has taken a dramatic turn as the opposition parties cry foul over the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Prior to the announcement, there was heated controversy, with the opposition party rejecting the results and alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Edo State governorship election.
Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came in third with 22,763 votes.
INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, announced Okpebholo’s victory, stating he “polled the majority of votes and satisfied the requirements of the law.”
The election, held on Saturday, was largely peaceful, with impressive turnout in some areas, though local government participation varied significantly. Okpebholo won in 11 of the 18 local governments, while Ighodalo claimed victory in seven.
In Igueben Local Government Area, Ighodalo led with 8,470 votes compared to Okpebholo’s 5,907.
However, Okpebholo achieved a significant lead in Akoko Edo, where he garnered 34,847 votes against Ighodalo’s 15,865.
Ighodalo’s campaign has previously alleged electoral manipulation. In a statement, the PDP asserted, “The rush, venom, and hauling of insults with which the APC attacked Governor Fintiri only confirms APC’s violent desperation to cover its manipulations and steal the mandate freely given to Dr. Asue Ighodalo.”
PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba added, “We stand by the results of the Edo State governorship election as garnered by our polling agents across the state. Any attempt to alter these results will lead to serious repercussions.”
Despite these tensions, Prof. Kuta emphasised the legitimacy of the process, indicating the election results reflect the voters’ choices. The election was marked by notable local victories for both candidates, including Ighodalo’s wins in Uhunmwonde and Ovia North East, where he outperformed Okpebholo with 9,339 and 15,311 votes, respectively.
In contrast, Okpebholo secured decisive wins in Etsako East, polling 20,167 votes, and in Oredo, where he garnered 30,780 votes against Ighodalo’s 24,938. The APC candidate’s stronghold areas were crucial in his overall victory.
As the results are finalised, reactions from the PDP and other parties are expected, especially regarding the integrity of the electoral process and the accusations of manipulation that have been raised.
…Announce authentic results from polling units to avert crisis – PDP warns APC, INEC
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging them to announce the authentic results from the recent Edo State governorship election to prevent a crisis.
The PDP maintains that its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, clearly won the election based on results from polling units.
In a statement, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, who leads the Edo PDP National Campaign Council, expressed concern over the integrity of the ongoing results collation.
“The PDP stands by the results of the Edo State governorship election as garnered by its polling agents across the state,” Fintiri stated, adding that the APC allegedly conspired with some INEC officials to alter the genuine results.
The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, echoed these sentiments, asserting, “The rush, venom and hauling of insults with which the APC attacked Governor Fintiri only confirms APC’s violent desperation to cover its manipulations and steal the mandate freely given to Dr. Asue Ighodalo by the people of Edo State.”
Ologunagba detailed the party’s claim that the initial results from polling units indicated Ighodalo was in the lead before the collation process was allegedly hijacked.
He emphasised, “The results collated from the Polling Units have Asue Ighodalo in clear lead before the State collation exercise was hijacked by the APC.”
The PDP has warned that any attempt to manipulate the election results would provoke serious repercussions. “We caution the APC and INEC not to announce or declare any result that does not reflect the Will of the people as expressed at the Polling Units,” the statement stressed.
The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, praised the electorate for their turnout and commitment to democracy. “Given the laudable achievements of the exiting governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, and the qualities of our governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the enlightened Edo electorate would have had no difficulty in making the right choice,” the forum stated.
As tensions rise in Edo State, the PDP continues to assert its position, calling on INEC to fulfil its duty as an impartial arbiter. “Any attempt to change the results of the Edo State governorship election and allocate victory to a defeated candidate will provoke worse consequences,” the PDP reiterated, urging for transparency and adherence to the true wishes of the people.
…AAC condemns INEC’s conduct in Edo elections, calls for mass protests
The African Action Congress (AAC) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its management of the ongoing Edo elections, citing significant irregularities that undermine democratic principles.
In a statement released on Sunday by National Publicity Secretary Femi Adeyeye, the party expressed deep concern over the low voter turnout, reported at just 22.45%, which it claims starkly contrasts with inflated figures on INEC’s iRev portal.
One troubling instance highlighted by the AAC involved a polling unit where 213 individuals were accredited, yet results showed 352 votes cast for the APC, raising suspicions of manipulation.
The AAC criticised the involvement of political patronage in the elections, accusing major parties, particularly the APC and PDP, of exploiting public institutional failures for political gain.
The statement also referenced a viral video showing the state governor being escorted from the collation centre by police while an APC supporter, identified as Tony Kabaka, remained on-site with a group of militants.
In light of these events, the AAC is calling for immediate mass protests to demand transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
The party emphasises that restoring integrity to Nigeria’s elections is essential for good governance and public confidence.
Adeyeye stated, “Urgent measures must be taken to reject the ongoing electoral process and ensure accountability within the electoral commission.”
