The Edo State chapter of a political party recently filed a petition challenging the results of the governorship election held on September 21, 2024. The party’s State Chairman revealed this during a press conference in Benin, emphasizing their determination to contest the outcome.
In the said election, the candidate of another party emerged as the winner, sparking accusations from the challenging party regarding irregularities and discrepancies in the election results. Despite facing obstacles, the petition was successfully submitted to the election petitions tribunal before the deadline.
Following the petition, there were counter-responses from the opposing party, with claims and dismissals regarding the legitimacy of the mandate being contested. The situation escalated with arrests and accusations, further intensifying the political tension in the region.
Despite challenges, the party expressed confidence in reclaiming what they referred to as their “stolen mandate.” The narrative included assurances to their supporters and a call for hope and perseverance during the legal process.
Additionally, a transitional committee team was named by the party, led by a former Edo State Deputy Governor. The team members were listed in a letter made public by the acting chairman of the party.
Amidst the political turmoil, a pro-democracy group advised acceptance of the election results by the challenging party and its candidate, highlighting the importance of upholding democratic principles and respecting the electoral process.
The back-and-forth exchanges between the involved parties continued, with each side defending their actions and decisions regarding the election and its aftermath. Despite differing perspectives, the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic institutions remained a focal point in the discourse.