Socio-political activist, Aisha Yesuf, has criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for crying out over the Edo State governorship election results and outcome. On Sunday, The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, winner of the election conducted on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
Okpebholo of the APC won in 11 local government areas, while the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Asue Ighodalo won 7, leaving Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party LP, with none. Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, INEC’s Returning Officer, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, officially announced Okpebholo the winner of the election. According to INEC, Okpebholo, garnered 291,667 votes beating Ighodalo and Akpata with 247,274 and 18,737 votes, respectively.
It was also reported that Obaseki stormed INEC’s collation centre unannounced at about 2am on Sunday and was walked out around 4:10 am. The Governor, however claimed that his visit was to get first-hand information. Furthermore, a combined team of policemen, reportedly led by DIG Frank Mbah and personnel of the Nigerian Army entered the premises and escorted Obaseki out of the premises.
Niger Delta Connect also reported that Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, declared that the Saturday's governorship election was ruined by a disregard for procedures and the rule of law. Obaseki, however in a statewide broadcast pleaded with residents to be calm over the election results, and to avoid violence as well as property destruction. Governor Obaseki additionally asked dissatisfied people to look into legal methods for expressing their feelings, emphasizing that peace and justice will always prevail over violence.
Obaseki also said: “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.
Mrs. Yesufu responding to Gov. Obaseki’s earlier address took to her official X account to tweet:
“I am looking for a video where Obaseki was speaking about the principles of democracy. Please share if you have it.”
“Obaseki that refused for 4 years to swear in 14 Edo House of Assembly members. Obaseki that refused to swear in judges. He swore in 5 out of 8.”
“Obaseki that got his deputy Governor impeached. He is talking about democracy under attack,” her post read.
Niger Delta Connect reported that President Bola Tinubu, and former President Muhammadu Buhair has since congratulated the Governor-elect and his party for the victory.
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