The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the All Progressives Congress will lead evidence at the election petitions tribunal to show how the Peoples Democratic Party allegedly benefited from an electoral fraud during last Wednesday’s governorship poll conducted in the state.
Oshiomhole noted that, contrary to claims by the PDP that its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, was allegedly denied victory in the election, he (Ize-Iyamu) “is not worth 50,000 votes”.
The governor spoke while addressing some APC youths during a road show held from Five Junction to Dawson Road, shortly after a visit to the crown prince of Benin Kingdom, His Royal Highness Eheneden Erediauwa.
The state chapter of the PDP had on Monday vowed to challenge the outcome of the poll at the election petitions tribunal.
But Oshiomhole said, “We encourage our opponents to go to court. We will be able to lead evidence to show how much they profited from electoral fraud because the Ize-Iyamu that I know is not worth 50,000 votes.
“So, it is like an armed robber rushing to a police station with bullet wounds and claiming that he has been shot, whereas he is the one who opened fire on very innocent people. We will expose them where it matters in our courtrooms.”
While expressing satisfaction with the performance of the APC in the September 28 election, he stated that the victory of the party signalled the final political “funeral” of the godfathers in the PDP.
The governor, whose tenure will end on November 12, noted that he would want to be remembered not only for the development of infrastructure but also for liberalising the political space, so that the youths could take charge of their destiny.
Oshiomhole said, “My message to them is, whether it is Igbinedion, (Tony) Anenih or (Tom) Ikimi, it is not me.
“It is God who knows their sin against our people that decided to recall their political lives. He has only used us to cement it and to celebrate their political funeral.”
Meanwhile, Obaseki has promised to run an all-inclusive government.
Obaseki spoke when he received the state chapter of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on Wednesday in Benin City, the state capital.
He explained that he was mindful of the different tribes and religions in the state and would ensure that all of them had a sense of belonging during his administration.
The governor-elect said, “I want to assure you that the type of administration that I want to run in Edo State is one that will be all-inclusive, so that people will feel that they are part of the state, irrespective of religion and tribe, because we are one Edo State and there is strength in our unity.
“I want to thank you and assure you that I will be there for you.”
Obaseki also commended the Islamic council for their support before and during the election.
He added, “I am overwhelmed for several reasons because you are the first set of people who have come to congratulate me.
“For me, it is significant because you men of God prayed for me and today, there is something to celebrate.”
Earlier, the state Chairman of the council, Alhaji Yusuf Bako, urged the governor-elect to be resolute in achieving his objectives and to be accessible to the citizens of the state.
Bako, who was accompanied by a leader of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria, Alhaja Aminatu Moti, said, “We are glad that you are a peaceful man and we Muslims are also peaceful. Be resolute. Be dogged and accessible, and the sky will be your limit.”
