Edo 2020 governorship election may have held. Independent National Ecloral Commission, INEC may have declared results. But certainly, there may be no hurdles for the declared winner, Godwin Obaseki to cross before heaving sigh of relief. Signs of what to expect in the days ahead became obvious on Sunday. In a statement personally signed by Pastor Ize Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC assured his supporters that “There were several episodes of violence, voter intimidation and falsification of results.” Even with evidence of violent episodes in their kitty, the pastor says Obaseki should focus on governance. Below is Iyamu’s statement unedited
“My dear people of Edo State. I send you warm felicitations as always. You will all recall that the election process of Edo 2020 to determine who occupies the office of Governor of Edo State for the next 4 years began officially in June this year, with the unveiling of the Election Timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
To the glory of God Almighty, the election held on 19th September, 2020 with the outcome later announced by INEC. We thank God Almighty for the relatively peaceful nature of the voting process in most parts of the state.
Contrary to orchestrated media reports, the election was neither free nor fair. There were several episodes of violence, voter intimidation and falsification of results. In particular, there were unlawful cancellations of results particularly from Urhonigbe South and North in Orhiomwon. Similarly, results were falsified in many polling units in Ofunama in Ovia South West, and parts of Ovia North East. The trend repeated itself in Owan West, Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Esan North East. Esan West, Esan South East and Uhunmwode Council Areas were not spared of the irregularities.
Two persons were killed during the election. Gun-wielding thugs took over collation centres in many locations without the intervention of law-enforcement agents. There were also several cases of malfunctioning card readers. That disenfranchised duly registered voters, in addition to many cases of unregistered voters voting with pre-purchased voters’ cards not collected.
These malpractices could easily form the basis to challenge the election results. We have however decided not to commence an election petition. This is to avoid further tension in the state. We are also mindful that the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and many well-placed individuals have made pronouncements endorsing the process, which we have chosen to respect.
Nonetheless, we must emphasize that elections are far more than actual voting, just as democracy includes more than just elections. It is in this light that we draw attention to the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its flagbearers have continued to pursue several pre-election suits in various courts against us, all totalling 13. One of such cases came up in the High Court, Benin on 2nd October, 2020, days after the election.
On our part, we had filed two pre-election cases against the PDP and its flagbearer challenging their eligibility to contest the election. These are all lawful and integral parts of the electoral process in any democracy, which we must all respect and acknowledge as genuine democrats.
The outcome of these pending cases has direct effect on the election. Consequently, we have decided to continue with our pre-election cases in full exercise of our legal rights, just as our opponents have considered it their prerogative to also continue with their pre-election cases against us.
Let me once again wholeheartedly thank the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohammadu Buhari GCFR, for his statesmanship and support throughout the election campaign. We thank the National leadership of our party led by His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, Governor of Yobe state, our National Campaign Council led by His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor of Kano State, APC Governors, leaders and members of the National Assembly and other leaders of our party at both national and state levels for their immense contributions.
We also sincerely thank His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin. The entire APC thanks the Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, Ikelebe III. We also thank all our other Royal Fathers, for their unceasing prayers for the peace during and after the elections.
Our religious leaders are appreciated for prayers and intercessions throughout the election.
We commend the good people of Edo State for their peaceful conduct despite the hostile and provocative actions of state officials, which have remained unabated. They should remain law-abiding, as responsible citizens.
We specially thank our innumerable supporters for their steadfast support and tremendous show of love. They should remain calm while keeping faith alive for a better Edo State. A state which we shall all be proud of.
Let me conclude by noting that our cause to uplift our state using the democratic system is a noble mission. We SHALL NEVER waiver. As law-abiding citizens, we must all continue to believe in the electoral process. It is an important part of the democratic system. It remains the best method of choosing who leads the people, devoid of violence and avoidable acrimony.”
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