The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has called on residents to remain calm and refrain from violence following the announcement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as the winner of the state’s September 21 governorship election, Okay.ng reports.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo, a serving senator, the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, placed third with 22,763 votes.
The APC secured victories in 11 out of 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), while the PDP won in the remaining seven.
In a broadcast to the people of Edo State, Governor Obaseki urged citizens to avoid resorting to violence and instead seek justice through legal channels if they are dissatisfied with the election outcome.
“The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them,” Obaseki said.
“Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy.”
Obaseki acknowledged the disappointment felt by many Edo residents, stating that the election’s result had left them disheartened by what they saw as a display of “impunity and disregard for process and law.”
“It is understandable that many people feel sad and aggrieved,” the governor continued.
“But in the midst of this despair, I am urging all my fellow Edo citizens to maintain calm and not resort to violence and destruction of property in spite of this provocation.”
He further encouraged those feeling wronged by the process to pursue legal avenues to address their grievances, assuring them that “peace and justice will always win at the end.”
The governor also appealed to residents to continue with their lawful activities, stressing the government’s commitment to their security and well-being.
