The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo state has rejected the results of the governorship election, which gave victory to Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The party cited strong-arm tactics for the rejection.
It declared there was foul play during the election, insisting the results were skewed in favour of Obaseki.
INEC had declared Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the Edo state governorship election.
He won by polling 307,955 votes to defeat Ize Iyamu his closest rival of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 223,619.
Edo APC called on members and all lovers of democracy to stay calm, while leaders of the party would study the results and decide on the next line of action.
In a statement by Chairman of its Media Campaign Council, Prince John Mayaki, the APC maintained the party’s governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, was robbed of victory.
It said: “Our people were arbitrarily arrested, many of the figures were fabricated. There was illicit tampering with results, to shore up PDP’s numbers and mark down APC.
“Areas where we won, they cancelled the results. They decreased the votes in areas we had advantage. They rejected our results and jerked up theirs.
“There was arbitrary arrest of local party members, who could have resisted the outrage, while Obaseki was busy diverting attention with false alarm.
“Obaseki shouted that he was being rigged out and blamed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the initial stage, but that was to divert attention from the evil going on in the field.”
The party also thanked members of the party and teeming supporters of Ize-Iyamu for their support and steadfastness, which it said would never be taken for granted.
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMENDS ELECTION PROCESS IN EDO STATE, REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the election process in Edo State which led to the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The President congratulated the winner and urged him to show grace and humility in victory.
In his reaction to the outcome of the election as announced by INEC, President Buhari said:
“My commitment to free and fair elections is firm, because without free and fair elections, the foundation of our political and moral authority will be weak.”
The President added: “I have consistently advocated for free and fair elections in the country because it is the bedrock of true democratic order.
“Democracy will mean nothing if the votes of the people don’t count or if their mandate is fraudulently tampered with.”
He commended the people of Edo State, the parties, candidates and security agencies for conducting themselves responsibly.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 20, 2020