PDP Files Petition Over Conduct of Edo Guber Polls
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a petition contesting the conduct and declaration of the recent Governorship Election in Edo by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This much was confirmed by the PDP party chairman in the state, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, in the Edo state capital, Benin, on Monday.
Aziegbemi accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and INEC of trying to frustrate its filing of the petition but failed.
He noted that, though the PDP were given leave to inspect materials used in the election, enforcing the court order became problematic as both APC and INEC stood in their way.
While labelling the election, “Darkness Day of Edo State,” he expressed optimism that the election tribunal would judge the matter in its favour.
“We know many of you and indeed Edolites would have been wondering why we have not engaged you after the saddest day in the history of Edo State,” Aziegbemi began
“The stealing of your mandate and right to freely choose who will govern you in the next 4 years after the spectacular performance of our amiable Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“Let me on behalf of the PDP express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all Edolites that came out en masse on the 21st of September, 2024 to cast your votes for the PDP in spite of the unprecedented militarisation and financial inducement by the APC.
“We are here to let you know that your vote will eventually count. You stared at the barrel of the gun, took their (our) money (in most cases fifteen thousand per vote) and voted for the PDP
“The unthinkable then happened, Your votes were discarded. You were violated, they thought that they could silence your choice. That will not happen. We are going to be with you all the way.
“We have filed our petition before the Election Tribunal on your behalf. I assure you that the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun and by the grace of God, your mandate will be returned,” he stated.
Recall that INEC had announced Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the recent gubernatorial elections in Edo state.
The announcement has met contention as, both the PDP and the Labour Party have accused the APC of rigging the election.
