The Edo State Government and the previous administration are in disagreement regarding statements made by former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka, about the state’s governorship election on September 21. Chidoka criticized the election during a program on Channels Television, alleging that it was rigged.
In response, Governor Monday Okpehbolo’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, released a statement countering Chidoka’s claims. He mentioned that Chidoka’s Athena Centre did not cover significant parts of the state during the election and accused them of manipulating figures under the supervision of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The statement highlighted that the Peoples’ Democratic Party and Chidoka were attempting to influence the judiciary to overturn the election results. It emphasized that the election was free, fair, and acknowledged by domestic observers. The statement also criticized the PDP for resorting to media trials to discredit the election results.
On the other hand, a media aide to Obaseki, Crusoe Osagie, defended Chidoka’s revelations, stating that an independent analysis revealed irregularities and manipulation during the election. He criticized the APC for attempting to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and expressed confidence in the judiciary to uphold justice.
The conflicting narratives between the Edo State Government and Chidoka regarding the election results continue to spark controversy and allegations of electoral malpractice.