Outcome of Edo election, biggest theft of the season, says Reps LP caucus
The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 25, described the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo state as the biggest theft of the season.
The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, came a distant third with a little above 22,000 votes, but the caucus said he was rigged out by those they described as enemies of democracy in the country
Addressing a news conference on behalf of the caucus, Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. George Ozodinobi however said that as a law-abiding, they were consulting with all stakeholders on the next step, while expressing confidence in the judiciary to do what is right.
The caucus called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to do everything possible to save the nation’s democracy, insisting that incidences of vote buying, and intimidation among others marred the election in the state.
He said: “The Labour Party presented the best candidate in the election, who was brazenly rigged out of the process. Our candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, a renowned legal professional and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, garnered significant support from the electorates, but enemies of democracy thwarted his efforts and excellent standing in the election.
“It is on record that our leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi campaigned vigorously for our gubernatorial candidate in every nook and cranny of the state.
“Of course, the whole world witnessed the massive crowd that the Obidient movement pulled wherever he went during the campaign. Yet; Barrister Akpata was allocated paltry votes in a state where LP just about a year and seven months ago had one Senator and two House of Representatives Members. Very disgraceful to the perpetrator of the crime.
“We are deeply concerned over the irregularities and alleged malpractices that marred the electoral process ranging from vote buying by the so-called big parties, intimidation of voters, mass thumb printing of ballot papers and pre-writing and alteration of election results, etc.
“This criminal enterprise aided by some elements of the state including security agents and even officials of the electoral umpire must be nipped in the bud and must not be allowed to be replicated in any future election. Nigeria deserves a transparent electoral process devoid of any form of interference from agents of the state or any external force.
“To us, what transpired in Edo State on September 21, 2024, in the name of the governorship election is the highest theft of the season. The electorate was robbed of their votes and their will and wishes were dashed.
“We want to state without mincing words that the Labour Party is committed to democratic principles and will not stand idly by while the rights of our citizens are trampled upon.
“Furthermore, we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls.
“Obidient movement tsunami is coming person born of a woman will stop us. The Commission must work tirelessly to prevent similar discrepancies and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Edo State and reassure them that we will continue to fight for their rights and interests.”
