Members of Labour Party (LP) Caucus in the National Assembly on Wednesday described the outcome of the just-concluded Edo State Governorship election as the ‘highest theft’ of the season.
Deputy Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Hon George Ozodinobi who spoke on behalf of the Caucus during a press briefing held in Abuja, alleged that LP Candidate, Olumide Akpata who polled 22,763 was rigged out by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Piqued by the myriad of crises trailing the election, he warned that the criminal enterprise aided by some elements of the state including security agents and even officials of the electoral umpire must be nipped in the bud and must not be allowed to be replicated in any future election.
He said: “We members of the Labour Party caucus in the House of Representatives strongly condemn the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, which many stakeholders including election observers, civil society organisations, believe does not reflect the true will of the people.
“The Labour Party presented the best candidate in the election, who was brazenly rigged out of the process. Our candidate, Barr. Olumide Akpata, SAN, a renowned legal professional and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, garnered significant support from the electorate but enemies of democracy thwarted his efforts and excellent standing in the election.
“It is on record that our leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, His Excellency, 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 Obidient movement pulled wherever he went during the campaign yet; Akpata was allocated paltry votes in a state where LP just about a year and seven months ago had one Senator and two House of Rep. Member. Very disgraceful of the perpetrator the 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, etc.
“This criminal enterprise aided by some elements of the state including security agents and even officials of the electoral umpire must be nipped in the bud and must not be allowed to be replicated in any future election. Nigeria deserves a transparent electoral process devoid of any form of interference from agents of the state or any external force.
“To us, what transpired in Edo State on September 21, 2024 in the name of governorship election is the highest theft of the season. The electorate were clearly robbed of their votes and their will and wishes dashed.
“We want to state without mincing words that Labour Party is committed to democratic principles and will not stand idly by while the rights of our citizens are trampled upon.
“Furthermore, we urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure the integrity of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls. Obidient movement tsunami is coming no person born of a woman will stop us. The Commission must work tirelessly to prevent similar discrepancies and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Edo State and reassure them that we will continue to fight for their rights and interests.”
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