The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Peoples Movement (APM), All Peoples Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have filed petitions at the election petitions tribunal in Edo State to challenge the September 21 victory of the Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Edo Chairman of PDP, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, yesterday at a news conference in Benin, said the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, filed a petition at the tribunal, noting that the legal process to reclaim PDP allegedly-stolen mandate was on course.
Aziegbemi said: “APC did not have a chance of winning Edo governorship election. Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not play by the rules, as it was compromised.
“We have filled our petition before the tribunal. I can assure you that the journey to reclaim our mandate has begun, and by the grace of God, your mandate will be returned.
“The allegation that PDP members disrupted the inspection of electoral materials at INEC’s Edo headquarters in Aduwawa, Benin is laughable. In whose interest is the disruption? We applied to the court for inspection, and the court granted us an enrolled order to inspect. Why would we want to disrupt the process?
“In spite of INEC’s feeble attempt to deny us our request for the Certified True Copies (CTC) of all the electoral materials, we were still able to do the needful.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo State chapter, has announced the formation of 24-member transition team to work with Governor Godwin Obaseki/Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) transition committee.
Edo Chairman of APC, Jarret Tenebe, made this known yesterday in a letter he addressed to Governor Obaseki.
He said: “I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter requesting the Governor-Elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the APC to initiate the formation of a transition team to work with your side.
“We look forward to a smooth and effective collaboration with our 24-member committee, headed by Dr Pius Odubu as chairman, for meaningful discussions that will lead to a seamless transition process.”
APC transition committee comprises Dr. Odubu, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, Pastor Osagie Ize-lyamu, Andrew Enwanta, Dr. Washington Osifo, Nosa Adams, Omosede Igbinedion, Paul Ohonbamu, Edo Omorogieva, Ernest Umakhihe, Taiwo Akerele and Godwin Eshieshie.
Others are Yakson Musa, Kazeem Afegbua, Ohio Ezomo, Gani Audu, Dr. Aminu Imafidon, Prof Oyaziwo Aluede, Prof. Eunice Omonzejie, Matthew Egbadon, Dr.Tony Ikpasaja, Felix Akhabue, Kingsley Ehigiamusor and Dr. Frank Omoh.