The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has rejected the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State, claiming that the party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, was rigged out.
The caucus made their stance clear during a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of the caucus, George Ozodinobi, the Deputy Minority Whip of the House, described the election results as “the highest theft of the season,” adding that “the electorate were clearly robbed of their votes, and their will and wishes dashed”.
Ozodinobi, flanked by other caucus members, said the Labour Party and its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, campaigned vigorously but were still allocated a paltry number of votes.
“It is on record that our leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, His Excellency Peter Obi, campaigned vigorously for our gubernatorial candidate in every nook and cranny of the state.
“Of course, the whole world witnessed the massive crowds that the Obidient movement pulled wherever he went during the campaign. Yet, Chief Akpata was allocated paltry votes in a state where, just about a year and seven months ago, the Labour Party had one Senator and two House of Reps members.”
He continued,”We are deeply concerned over the irregularities and alleged malpractices that marred the electoral process ranging from vote buying by the so-called big parties, intimidation of voters, mass thumb printing of ballot papers and pre-writing and alteration of election results, among others.
“To us, what transpired in Edo State on September 21, 2024, is the highest theft of the season. The electorate was robbed of their votes and their will and wishes dashed.
“We want to state without mincing words that the Labour Party is committed to democratic principles and will not stand idly by while the rights of our citizens are trampled upon.”
“The Obi-dient Movement tsunami is coming as no person born of a woman will stop us. The commission must work tirelessly to prevent similar discrepancies and uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Edo State and reassure them that we will continue to fight for their rights and interests,” he added.
On whether the LP caucus has evidence to prove that Akpata won the election, Ozodinobi urged Nigerians to be patient, adding that the party would soon take action on the matter.
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