Oshiomhole: It’s impossible to rig election without violence — Edo guber was free, fair

Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, says the outcome of the Edo state governorship election reflects the people’s will.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Oshiomhole dismissed the comment of opposition parties that the election was rigged in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the APC, winner of the election.

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,274 votes.

Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third with 22,763 votes.

On Monday, Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), said the election failed the integrity test, adding that the collation process was marred by inconsistencies, which suggests vote manipulation.

The PDP has rejected the outcome of the election while asking INEC to review the results.

However, Oshiomhole said Okpbeholo represents the choice of the people, adding that the APC candidate won the poll because he “communicated” with the voters.

Oshiomhole criticised Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state, over PDP’s refusal to sign the peace accord ahead of the September 21 election.

“It was not rigged. This election is a reflection of the will of Edo people. Are you not surprised that it is not possible to rig election without violence? Edo people have spoken about their choice,” Oshiomhole said.

“Obaseki refused to sign the peace accord, which shows that he is a worse version of godfather since you call people like us godfathers. He is a worse version. He did not allow the candidate (Ighodalo to sign the peace accord).

He described Okpbeholo as a “poor man” who lacks the financial resources to buy votes like the other candidates in the election.

“The election was won by Senator Monday Okpbeholo. He has the mandate of the people, and that is what we call legitimacy,” he said.

”You just told me that this man (Okpbeholo) is weak, and yet he was able to rig out these directors with their money and wealth. A poor man like Monday. How?”

The senator insisted that the APC won the election “fair and square” and that the governor-elect will justify the confidence reposed on him by the people.