ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce the result that truly represents the wishes of Edo people.
The PDP governors, who said they are looking forward to this announcement, added that they are behind the role Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State played during the election.
The governors under the aegis of PDP Governors’ Forum (PDPGF), in a statement by its Chairman and governor of Bauchi state, Bala Mohammed, said that Fintiri simply stated the results of a few local government areas as were already collated and captured on the INEC IREV portal, with a view to forestalling any manipulation by unscrupulous elements and, ultimately, averting a situation that could throw the exercise into disrepute and the nation into political jeopardy.
The governors said that the enlightened Edo electorate would have had no difficulty in making the right choice, particularly given the hardship that the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration is spreading nationwide.
The governors reminded INEC on the need to live up to the oath of office of the Commission’s principal officers and the expectations of the people, to serve as an impartial umpire committed to deepening the multi party democracy and the survival of the country.
The govenrors added that it is their expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time.
The governors, who pointed out that they have followed with keen interest developments in the Edo governorship elections said, “we salute the good people of Edo State, the cradle of a proud Benin kingdom, for trooping out in their large numbers, to exercise their legitimate duty to choose the person who would govern the state for the next four years.
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“We have no doubt that given the laudable achievements of the exiting governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, and the qualities of our governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the enlightened Edo electorate would have had no difficulty in making the right choice, particularly given the hardship that the APC Administration is spreading nationwide.
“We note with immense pride and satisfaction, the role being played by the PDP Governors, His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, His Excellency Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and His Excellency, the Rt. Hon. Sherif Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State who have painstakingly monitored the exercise in accordance with the law and guided the electorate to remain calm and law abiding throughout the entire process.
“We are satisfied that our colleagues as led by His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Fintiri simply stated the results of a few local government areas as were already collated and captured on the INEC IREV portal, with a view to forestalling any manipulation by unscrupulous elements and, ultimately, averting a situation that could throw the exercise into disrepute and the nation into political jeopardy. Therefore, the public is advised to disregard the mischievous accusation by the APC that anyone usurped INEC’s responsibility, let alone distinguished Nigerians who are governors in their respective states.
“As the process runs its course, we wish to remind the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of the need to live up to the oath of office of the Commission’s principal officers and the expectations of the people, to serve as an impartial umpire committed to deepening our multi party democracy and the survival of our country.
“As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time. This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC government.
“The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices, and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realise their legitimate dreams.
“We look forward to the announcement of a result that truly represents the wishes of the Edo people as freely expressed through their votes yesterday
“We stand with our Governors, H/E Fintiri, H/E Diri, H/E Agbu Kefas and H/E Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba and Delta States respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, with respect to maintaining the sanctity of the elections.”
