“Theft Of The Season” – Labour Party Challenges Edo Election Result

Members of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives have strongly rejected the result of the Edo State governorship election.

Recall that INEC declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. According to INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, Okpebholo received 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who had 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, who got 22,763 votes.

During a press conference at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, George Ozodinobi, the House Deputy Minority Whip representing Labour Party’s 32 lawmakers, criticized the election process. He claimed that the Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, was unfairly removed from the race through rigging. He described the election as flawed and lacking credibility.

Ozodinobi stated, “The Labour Party presented the best candidate in the election, who was brazenly rigged out of the process. Our candidate, Olumide Akpata, 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.”

He also mentioned that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, campaigned heavily for Akpata throughout Edo State. “The whole world witnessed the massive crowd that the Obedient Movement pulled during the campaign, yet Chief Akpata was allocated paltry votes in a state where LP recently won a Senator and two House seats,” he added.

Ozodinobi expressed concern over various irregularities during the election, including vote buying, voter intimidation, mass thumb printing of ballots, and result manipulation. He blamed both INEC officials and security agents for the alleged misconduct.

“This criminal enterprise, aided by some elements of the state including security agents and electoral officials, must not be allowed in future elections. Nigeria deserves a transparent electoral process,” Ozodinobi emphasized.

He also condemned the election, stating, “What transpired in Edo State on September 21, 2024, is the highest theft of the season. The electorate was robbed of their votes, and their wishes were disregarded.”

The Labour Party lawmakers called on INEC to take action to address these issues and safeguard future elections, especially the 2027 polls. They warned that the Obi-dient Movement, led by Peter Obi’s followers, will bring significant political change soon.

“The Obi-dient Movement tsunami is coming, and no one can stop us. INEC must work to prevent similar problems in the future and ensure the electoral process is respected,” Ozodinobi stated. He reassured the people of Edo State that the Labour Party will continue to fight for their rights.

When asked if the Labour Party had evidence that Akpata won the election, Ozodinobi urged Nigerians to be patient, saying the party would soon take appropriate steps.

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