After the Edo election earlier this month in which Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressive Congress(APC) was declared the winner by INEC on 20th of September with 307,000 votes defeating his main rival Osagie Ize-Iyamu who had 223,619 votes; citizens were satisfied with the outcome of the election and same was assumed for fellow contestants.
These assumptions have been proved wrong as two of the candidates have spoken on their view on the election results and steps they are planning to take in order to make sure that justice is served concerning the poll results.
Tracy Ebun Agol of the New Nigeria People’s Party(NNPP) is suspected to be one of those who may challenge the election results, when asked if she thought the election was free and fair, she said “it will be revealed as soon as we meet with the national body”, she also said that the national body has to be consulted before a decision is made or any step is taken concerning the election.
Osalumese Areloegbe of the All People’s Party(APP) though has not mentioned his decision as finalized, he has expressed dissatisfaction with the results.
He particularly mentioned that people were induced with money during the election and that some of his votes were not counted and others were declared invalid. He also mentioned consulting his party before any action will be taken.
Some of the other contestants, however, have declared their acceptance of the poll results and no interests in approaching the tribunal for redress.
The runner-up in the election, APC’s Ize-Iyamu has not said anything about challenging the result. He is believed to be under pressure from his party to forget about going to the Tribunal.
They all have another 14 days to file their cases.
Sharon A.
