The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has stated that Saturday’s governorship election was marred with disregard for processes and the rule of law.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, on Sunday, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All-Progressives Congress as the winner of the keenly contested election.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party, who secured 247,274 and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, who came a distant third with 22,761 votes.
In a statewide broadcast on Sunday night, Obaseki appealed to residents to remain calm over the election’s outcome and not resort to violence and destruction of property.
The governor also urged aggrieved persons to explore legal options to express their reactions, noting that peace and justice will always win over violence.
He said, “In the last few months, the various political parties have embarked on very rigorous campaigns to sell their respective candidates for the office of governor to the people of Edo State in an exercise which came to a climax yesterday with the gubernatorial election.
“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy but a travesty of democracy.
“Regrettably, the outcome of the September 21st governorship election appears to have daunted the spirit of many Edo people who feel powerless in the face of the brute force of the institutions that are supposed to protect them. It is, therefore, understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved.
“But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.
“Peace and justice will always win in the end, and this is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time.”
Speaking further, Obaseki claimed that impunity and disregard for the electoral process was displayed during the election, which raises concerns for many election observers.
He added. “Clearly, it is obvious to the least discerning the amount of impunity and reckless disregard for processes and law that was displayed in this gubernatorial election.
“In a democracy, there are safeguards for addressing grievances, and we hope that those affected will seek resolution for this blatant disregard of law and process.
“With this in mind, I implore all Edo people to go about their lawful businesses and rest assured of the commitment of our government to your wellbeing and security.”