By PDP Sweeps All
In a stunning turn of events, the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) recently announced the results of the local government council election, which took place on a fateful Saturday. The outcome of this election has sent shockwaves throughout the state, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) emerging victorious in all 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that constitute the state. However, as with any election, controversy has arisen, as the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) have decried the exercise, alleging foul play.
Landslide Victory for PDP
PDP Sweeps All
The returning officers from the 18 LGAs took center stage at the EDSIEC headquarters, situated along Airport Road in the bustling city of Benin. In a carefully orchestrated procession, they unveiled the results, and to the astonishment of many, all 18 chairmanship positions were secured by the PDP. The chairman of EDSIEC, Justice James Oyomere (rtd), officiated the announcement, commending the returning officers and their ad-hoc staff for their commendable performance throughout the election.
Opposition Outcries
PDP Sweeps All
However, the triumph of the PDP did not come without its fair share of criticism. The State chairman of the APC, David Imuse, vehemently expressed his discontent, labeling the elections as nothing short of a sham. “This election is a scam, it is a charade,” he declared, adding, “They brought insufficient ballot papers but no single result sheet. How can you conduct an election when there is no result sheet?” These allegations of irregularities have cast a cloud of doubt over the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Similarly, a prominent figure within the LP, Dr. Kingsley Okunday, weighed in on the controversy with strong words. In a statement released on Sunday, he characterized the exercise as a “sham” and a “rape of democracy.” Dr. Okunday expressed his disbelief that an election as vital as the local government elections, which are closest to the grassroots, could be marred by what he described as “uncivilized and barbaric” conduct.
Calls for Election Review
PDP Sweeps All
Dr. Okunday called on EDSIEC to conduct a thorough review of the election process and even advocated for its cancellation. He argued that the exercise had been plagued by fraud and electoral malpractices, making it far from free and fair. He pointed out that members of the ruling PDP, allegedly backed by external forces, had resorted to using dangerous weapons to intimidate Labour Party members, confiscate voting materials in certain areas, and manipulate results in others.
He emphasized that these actions demonstrated the extent to which the Labour Party had become a formidable challenge to other political parties in the region, thereby prompting desperate measures to deny the party a victory that seemed imminent.
A Call for Calm
PDP Sweeps All
Despite the turmoil, Dr. Okunday implored LP members to exercise restraint and not take the law into their own hands. He maintained that the LP’s commitment to democratic principles set it apart from the PDP’s alleged thuggery approach. This measured response underlines the LP’s dedication to upholding the democratic process, even in the face of adversity.
Certificates of Return
PDP Sweeps All
Meanwhile, EDSIEC’s spokesperson, Albert Eguaoje, confirmed that the Commission would present certificates of return to the victorious candidates later on Sunday. This will formalize their mandate to serve their respective LGAs. However, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will cast a long shadow over the new council chairmen and their ability to govern effectively.
In conclusion, the Edo local government council election has proven to be a source of intense debate and scrutiny. With the PDP securing all 18 LGAs amidst allegations of irregularities and foul play, the controversy surrounding this election is likely to persist for some time. As EDSIEC proceeds with the presentation of certificates of return to the victorious candidates, the coming days will reveal whether this electoral triumph will lead to meaningful change or remain mired in controversy.
