Edo residents, Sunday trooped to major roads in the state to celebrate the victory of the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate and sitting governor,Mr Godwin Obaseki, over Pastor Osaige Ize-iyamu of the All Progressives Congress.(APC)
The Independent National Electoral Commission,s returning officer for the September 19, Edo 2020 governorship election, Prof Akofure Rim-Rukeh, while declaring him as winner said, that Obaseki ,having polled a total vote cast of 307955 against Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) who polled a total of vote cast of 223619.
“That Godwin Obaseki, having satisfied the requirement of the law in meeting the 25 percent of the two majority votes of the local government areas of the state and having the margin of leading the higher than cancelled votes he is hereby declared winner and returned elected”, Prof. Akpofure said.
Youths in a carnival-like match round major streets, like King’s Square, Ramat Park, among others in Benin City, chanted songs as ‘APC ole’, ‘Oshiomhole ole’.
One of the jubilating residents identified as Favour said Obaseki has come to change the political narrative of Edo State, adding that the outcome was determined by the people.
“This the most peaceful election I have ever witnessed. Change has come to stay . He is destined to complete it. Godfatherism is dead in Edo State,” Favour said.
Some of those who spoke with newsmen include John Odigie-Oyegun, former National chairman of theAll Progressives Congress, Anselm Ojezua, factional chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, member of the National Assembly.
Some of the jubilating residentsOn his part, John Odigie-Oyegun commended President Muhammadu Buhari, Edo people and INEC for ensuring the election was free, fair and peaceful.The former Edo State governor said with the conduct of the Edo State governorship election, it shows that credible election is possible in Nigeria.
He said, “I don’t have much to say but to thank God that no life was lost during the election. For us in APC, we have learnt our lessons and will bounce back in subsequent election.
Also, factional chairman of Edo APC, Anselm Ojezua said Obaseki’s victory at the poll is an attestation to his earlier position that the governor remains the most treasured asset.
“I received the victory with mixed feelings, this should have been APC but they pushed the governor away. I am the state chairman of APC even though the party was said to have contested this election, you will notice that they conducted their campaigns without the party.
“They treated the party with contempt and unfortunately the national organ of the party coorperated with them in this negligence believing that they could secure victory without the platform. So, we were just there looking at them. I think we are all wiser now”, he said.
