The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally contested the September 21 governorship election results by filing a petition with the state’s election tribunal. The party’s chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, confirmed this at a press conference in Benin, noting that they successfully met the appeal filing deadline despite obstacles.
The September 21 election saw All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Monday Okpebholo emerge victorious with 291,667 votes, surpassing PDP’s Ighodalo Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Following the announcement, PDP accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APC of attempting to hinder their right to contest the results, citing irregularities and disparities.
In response, APC has mocked PDP, stating they lack an existing mandate. Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, APC’s Publicity Secretary, emphasized that PDP cannot be both a party in the case and the judge, implying they should refrain from making judgments.
The situation remains tense, with both parties having besieged the secretariat in Benin with claims of attempts to distort election materials. Aziegbemi assured PDP supporters that they would reclaim their “stolen mandate” and urged Edo residents to remain hopeful.
Aziegbemi denied PDP disrupted the inspection of electoral materials at the INEC office, stating they had obtained a court order to inspect. He also condemned the continued arrest of PDP members, alleging police bias.
The Edo State election tribunal will now review the petition and determine the outcome.
