The Labour Party members in the House of Representatives on Wednesday condemned the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, which saw Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress emerge victorious.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, surpassing Asue Ighodalo and Olumide Akpata of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, who garnered 247,274 and 22,763 votes, respectively.
At a press conference held at the National Assembly Complex, House Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi, representing 32 Labour Party lawmakers, denounced the election as rigged.
“The Labour Party presented the best candidate, Olumide Akpata, who was brazenly rigged out. Despite significant support from the electorate and vigorous campaigning by our leader, Peter Obi, Akpata was allocated paltry votes,” Ozodinobi stated.
“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 Obedient Movement pulled wherever he went during the campaign yet; Chief Akpata was allocated paltry votes in a state where LP just about a year and seven months ago, had one Senator and two House members. This is very grateful to the perpetrators of this 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, among others.”
Ozodinobi highlighted irregularities, including vote buying, voter intimidation, and manipulation of election results. He blamed INEC officials and security agents for the alleged election manipulation, emphasizing, “This criminal enterprise must be stopped, and Nigeria deserves a transparent electoral process.”
“To us, what transpired in Edo State on September 21, 2024, is the highest theft of the season. The electorate was robbed of their votes and their will and wishes 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.”
The lawmakers urged INEC to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls. Ozodinobi reassured the people of Edo State that the Labour Party will continue to fight for their rights and interests, stating, “The Obi-dient Movement tsunami is coming, and no one will stop us.”
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