Edo State government has rejected the recent comments credited to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi regarding the integrity of the September 21st 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
A statement signed by Fred Itua, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo said Obi’s claims, alleging that the election was not free and fair, are not only unfounded but also deeply disrespectful to the will of the Edo people who exercised their democratic rights in a peaceful and transparent manner.
Itua noted that the Edo State Governorship Election was conducted in accordance with the highest standards of electoral integrity, as observed by both local and international observers. The statement emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensured a level playing field, and the process was widely acknowledged as credible.
Itua stated that Obi’s pronouncements are not supported by any credible evidence and appear to be driven by political expediency, rather than a genuine concern for democratic principles.
Itua remarked that it is regrettable that a figure of Peter Obi’s standing would choose to undermine the democratic process with such baseless allegations.
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The Edo State Government therefore urged Peter Obi to retract his statements and respect the mandate freely given by the people of Edo State. The government implored him to contribute constructively to the nation’s democratic discourse rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and democratic progress, the statement concluded that Governor Okpebholo will not allow anyone to jeopardize the hard-earned democratic gains made so far, insisting that the people of Edo State have spoken, and their voice must be respected.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
