By Seyi Odewale, with agency report
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said it had filed a petition at the Election Petition Tribunal to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in the just-concluded governorship election in Edo.
The state Chairman of PDP, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, disclosed this at a news conference in Benin.
Aziegbemi said that the party filed the petition despite being unable to inspect the election materials.
He said, “We have filed our petition before the Election Tribunal on behalf of the Edo people despite not being allowed to inspect the election materials. 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.”
On behalf of the PDP, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all Edo people who came out en masse on September 21 to cast their votes for the party despite the militarization and financial inducement.
“We are here to let you know your vote will eventually count. You stood firm, faced intimidation, accepted their inducements, and 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,” he added.
According to him, the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun, and with God’s grace, your mandate will be returned. Justice is on our side, and we remain resolute in this fight.
Speaking on the claims that the PDP disrupted the inspection of election materials at the INEC Office, Aziegbemi said there was no reason the PDP would hinder the process they sought.
*APC constitutes 24-member transition committee ahead of November 11 takeover
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a 24-member Transition Committee to work with Governor Godwin Obaseki’s outgoing administration.
This comes barely 24 hours after the state government released a letter sent to the party to constitute a transition committee to work with the one already set up by Governor Godwin Obaseki, which is headed by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Joseph Eboigbe.
The APC’s position is contained in a letter dated October 14, 2024, addressed to Gov. Obaseki by the Acting State Chairman of the APC, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe.
The letter read, “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter requesting the Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the All Progressive Congress (APC) to initiate the formation of a transition team to work with your side.
“We, however, look forward to a smooth and effective collaboration with our 24-member Committee, headed by Chief Pius Odubu as Chairman, for meaningful discussions that will lead to a seamless transition process.”
The committee, chaired by the former deputy governor, Dr. Pius Odubu, includes the Director General of the APC Campaign Council, Sen. Matthew Uroghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-lyamu, Dr. Washington Osifo, Nosa Adams, Kassim Afegbua, and Taiwo Akerele, the former Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki.
Others are Omosede Igbinedion, Paul Ohonbamu, Edo Omorogieva, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, Godwin Eshieshie, Yakson Musa, Ohio Omo Ezomo, Gani Audu, Dr Aminu Imafidon, Prof Oyaziwo Aluede, Prof Eunice Omonzejie, Matthew Egbadon, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, Felix Akhabue, Kingsley Ehigiamusor and Dr Frank Omoh.
