Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki criticized the election process, urging residents to remain calm and seek legal avenues to express their grievances.

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]do Governor Godwin Obaseki criticized the recent governorship election, calling it a travesty of democracy, and urged residents to remain calm.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has condemned the recent governorship election, claiming it was marred by a disregard for processes and the rule of law.

Also read: Political tension mounts ahead of Edo governorship election 2024

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner, with Okpebholo securing 291,667 votes, while Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) received 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party came third with 22,761 votes.

In a statewide broadcast on Sunday night, Obaseki appealed for calm among residents in light of the election results, urging them to avoid violence and property destruction.

He emphasized the importance of exploring legal avenues to express grievances, stating that peace and justice would ultimately prevail over violence.

Obaseki remarked, “The attractive thing about democracy is the power it bestows on the people to choose who governs them.

When this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is a tragedy and a travesty of democracy.” He expressed concern that many Edo residents feel powerless and aggrieved due to the perceived institutional failures during the election.

He called on all citizens to maintain their composure and go about their lawful activities, assuring them of the government’s commitment to their well-being and security.

The governor highlighted the need for safeguards in democracy to address grievances and urged those affected to seek resolutions through appropriate channels.