Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has made a heartfelt appeal to the people of the state, urging them to remain calm and peaceful in the aftermath of the recent governorship election. He called on residents to avoid any form of violence or destruction of property, stressing the importance of maintaining order during this period of heightened emotions.
Obaseki’s address came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially announced that Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Edo State. The announcement has sparked various reactions across the state, with tensions running high among supporters of different political parties.
In his brief broadcast, Governor Obaseki hinted that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would pursue justice through democratic means in response to what he described as “a blatant disregard of law and process” during the electoral proceedings. He reassured the public that the PDP would seek resolution for the perceived injustices through appropriate legal channels, emphasizing that their response would be peaceful and lawful.
GistReel reports that the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, secured victory with a total of 291,667 votes, defeating the Governor’s preferred candidate, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who garnered 247,274 votes. This result has led to widespread discontent among PDP supporters, many of whom feel disillusioned by the outcome of the election.
Despite the disappointment expressed by many, Obaseki maintained that peace and justice would ultimately prevail. He advised the people of Edo State to remain hopeful and to trust in the democratic process, even in the face of adversity. “This is my prescription to all the good people of Edo State who feel vexed and violated at this time,” he stated, urging his supporters to stay calm and avoid any actions that could lead to further unrest.
Reflecting on the recent political campaigns, Obaseki acknowledged the rigorous efforts made by the various political parties to present their candidates to the electorate. He noted that these campaigns culminated in the gubernatorial election, which was meant to be a demonstration of the democratic will of the people. However, he lamented the level of impunity and reckless disregard for due process that he believes marred the election.
Governor Obaseki expressed deep concern over the impact of the election results on the morale of Edo residents. He recognized that the outcome had dampened the spirits of many, particularly those who felt powerless in the face of what they perceive as the overwhelming force of institutions meant to protect their rights. He sympathized with those who are feeling sad and aggrieved, acknowledging the emotional toll that the election has taken on them.
Nevertheless, Obaseki reiterated his call for peace, stressing the importance of avoiding violence and property destruction, even in the midst of frustration and anger. He reminded the people of Edo State that in a democracy, there are established mechanisms for addressing grievances and that it is through these channels that they must seek redress for any perceived wrongs.
He further assured the public of his government’s continued commitment to their wellbeing and security. “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,” Obaseki said, ending his broadcast on a note of reassurance and hope for a peaceful resolution to the current situation.