By Milcah Tanimu
Governor Godwin Obaseki has appealed for calm after the Edo governorship election, urging residents to avoid violence. Following the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner, Obaseki addressed the frustrations many citizens feel about the results and the perceived failure of democratic institutions.
“The beauty of democracy is the people’s power to choose their leaders. When this is taken away, it becomes a travesty of democracy,” Obaseki said. He condemned the disregard for the electoral process but stressed the need for peace. He warned against violence or the destruction of property.
The governor reassured citizens that justice would prevail. He urged those upset to seek legal solutions. “Peace and justice will always win. I ask Edo people to continue their daily activities, knowing the government is committed to your safety,” he added.
INEC declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,763 votes.
