#Edodecides2024: Obaseki calls for calm, hints at legal action [VIDEO]

The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has urged the people of the state to remain calm and avoid any form of violence following the announcement of the Edo 2024 governorship election results.

In a brief address delivered shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, Obaseki hinted at a potential legal contest regarding the outcome of the poll.

Obaseki, whose second term as governor is coming to an end, expressed concern over the conduct of the election but emphasized the importance of maintaining peace despite the results. “I appeal to the good people of Edo State to remain peaceful, even in the face of provocation. There is no room for violence,” he stated, suggesting that further legal actions could follow.

Watch the video below;

https://x.com/GovernorObaseki/status/1837950986041937920?t=nJy514Of-wD8TrBXCe-PYQ&s=19

Thediscovererng.com reports that INEC officially declared Okpebholo as the winner of the keenly contested election on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The APC candidate garnered 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) trailed with 22,763 votes, placing a distant third.

Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and the INEC Returning Officer for the election, made the announcement at the state collation centre in Benin City. “Okpebholo Monday of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Kuta declared at 9:27 pm, triggering celebration among APC supporters.

While the APC camp rejoices, Obaseki’s remarks indicate that the PDP may challenge the outcome in court. The governor’s concerns over the electoral process suggest that the final chapter of the election may unfold in the legal arena.

The election featured 18 candidates in total, but the competition was largely between the APC, PDP, and Labour Party, with the remaining candidates struggling to make a significant impact at the polls.