Nigerian opposition figure Peter Obi says authorities should reject Edo state guber elections results after his party’s candidate garnered only 22,763 votes
Nigerian opposition figure Peter Obi has called on the electoral authorities to reject the results of Saturday’s Edo state gubernatorial election after the Labour Party (LP) came a dismal third with just 22,763 votes.
In a viral post on X the micro blogging site, Monday, he slammed the election as another example of “state capture”. The national ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)’s candidate Monday Okpebholo won following reports of widespread vote buying, fake news and voter apathy.
“I urge those in authority not to allow this situation to stand, or depend on it to remain in power.” Obi urged the Tinubu administration to cancel the results even as his own party agents had signed the Polling Unit (PU) result sheets instead of rejecting the tabulation of votes.
“As a country, we have invested significantly in IReV and BVAS, and they must be allowed to function and used properly in order to free our electoral process from the massive falsification that has plagued it and worsening.” He said while warning that such actions will eventually affect their children . “The damage you are causing today will inevitably take revenge on you tomorrow and affect your children in the future.”
Obi and Akpata campaigning
According to the results declared Sunday night by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo scored 291, 667 votes and won in 11 local government areas, to beat his main rival, . Asue Ighodalo, of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 247, 274 votes and won in seven local government areas, while Olumide Akpata received 22, 763. Registered voters for the polls were numbered at 2.2 million.
Declaring Okpebholo winner, INEC Chief Returning Officer, Faruq Kuta, said, “having satisfied the requirements and scored the highest number of votes, Okpebholo is returned as governor of Edo State”.
The Labour Party campaign in Edo state south west Nigeria
But the PDP and LP State Agents, Osaigbovo Iyoha and Sam Omede, respectively, refused to endorse the result announced by INEC, as they walked out of the collation centre after the declaration by INEC.
The Govenor-elect said in a short statement. “Thank you, my people of Edo State! Your trust and support have brought us this victory.
“Together, we will build a brighter future for our state, ensuring progress, unity, and prosperity for all.
“This is just the beginning – let’s continue to move forward, hand in hand. God bless Edo State!”
President Bola Tinubu congratulated Okpebholo on his victory at the poll.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, too, greeted the APC candidate for “this prized, historic electoral victory”.
Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, said the APC victory was a vote of confidence on Tinubu.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had led about 10 APC governors and other leaders of the party to Edo State, in a massive show of strength, leaving nothing to chance in ensuring victory.
Akowe with reports from Abuja