The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially filed a petition to contest the results of the Edo State governorship election.
The PDP chairman in Edo State Anthony Aziegbemi, expressed confidence in the party’s chances at the tribunal during a press briefing in Benin City on Monday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21 election, with 291,667 votes. PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, followed with 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) secured a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Aziegbemi reassured party members and the people of Edo that their mandate would be restored. “We have filed our petition before the election tribunal on behalf of Edo people, despite not being allowed to inspect the election materials,” he stated. “Rest assured, the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun, and by the grace of God, your mandate will be returned.”
He acknowledged the disappointment felt by party supporters, describing the election as a “saddest day in the history of Edo State” when the rights of citizens to freely choose their leaders were allegedly violated.
Aziegbemi highlighted the exemplary performance of former Governor Godwin Obaseki and emphasized that the will of the people must be respected.
“You stood firm, faced intimidation, accepted their inducements, and still voted for the PDP,” he said. “Your resolve is a testament to your desire for true democracy in Edo State. The unthinkable happened; your votes were discarded, and they thought they could silence your choice.”
Aziegbemi concluded by reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to standing with the people of Edo, ensuring that their voices are heard and their votes respected as they seek to overturn the election results.
