PDP files petition against Monday Okpebholo’s victory in Edo guber poll

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has filed a petition to challenge the outcome of the Edo state governorship election.

Anthony Aziegbemi, chairman of the PDP in Edo, said the party will be victorious at the tribunal.

Aziegbemi spoke in Benin City, the state capital, on Monday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the September 21 governorship election in Edo.

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

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

The PDP chairman in Edo assured party members and people of the state that their mandate would be returned by the tribunal.

“We have filed our petition before the election tribunal on behalf of Edo people despite not being allowed to inspect the election materials,” he said.

“Be rest assured, the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun, and by the grace of God, your mandate will be returned.

“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.

“The day when your mandate and right to freely choose your leaders for the next four years were stolen from you, following the exemplary performance of our governor, Godwin Obaseki.

“We are here to let you know that your vote will eventually count. You stood firm, faced intimidation, accepted their inducements, and still voted for the PDP.

“Your resolve is a testament to your desire for true democracy in Edo state.

“The unthinkable then happened; your votes were discarded. You were violated, and they thought they could silence your choice.

”We want you to know that we will stand with you all the way, ensuring your voice is heard and your vote is respected.“