• PDP’s Ighodalo Alleges Vote-Buying, Delays in Election Process
• Obaseki Commends Voter Turnout Despite Heavy Rain
• Oshiomhole Dismisses Vote-Buying Allegations, Boasts of APC’s Governance
The 2024 Edo State governorship election is shaping up to be a closely contested race between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. Early results indicate the PDP and APC are leading, while the Labour Party trails behind.
At Unit 3, Ward 1, Idinrio Primary School in Okaegben, Esan South East, where Ighodalo cast his vote, the PDP garnered 200 votes, while the APC and Labour Party each managed only 1 vote. In contrast, at Unit 3, Ward 1, Uwesan, Esan Central, the APC candidate secured 102 votes, significantly ahead of both the PDP and Labour Party, which each received 1 vote.
Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, failed to win his polling unit, securing only 32 votes against PDP’s 41 and APC’s 19. Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki led PDP to victory in his polling unit at Ward 4, Unit 19, Oredo, where the party received 127 votes, APC 35, and Labour Party 11.
In another significant result, APC’s former governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, secured a landslide victory at his polling unit in Ward 1, Unit 6, Auchi, Etsako West, where the APC garnered 403 votes, with PDP and Labour Party each receiving just 1 vote.
Ighodalo Decries Vote-Buying and Delays
Speaking on the election process, PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo voiced frustration over the late arrival of materials at several polling units. “I am not happy with the process that delayed the coming of the materials. This is a single state election; INEC had all the time to prepare,” Ighodalo lamented.
He further accused the APC of attempting to undermine the election through vote-buying. “There are rumors that they are trying to subvert the process. They go around buying votes for ₦15,000 to ₦20,000. This is unacceptable,” Ighodalo stated, while remaining confident in a PDP victory. “We will win this election by a landslide and move our state forward by God’s grace.”
Ighodalo also praised the Nigerian Army for its professional conduct during the election. “The military has made me proud. They have taken charge and shown great responsibility. They are protecting the people, and I am extremely proud.”
Obaseki Commends Voter Turnout Despite Heavy Rain
Governor Godwin Obaseki, after casting his vote at Ward 4, Unit 19, Oredo, commended Edo voters for turning out in large numbers despite the inclement weather. “You can see that despite the heavy rain, the turnout and enthusiasm of the electorate is high. This election is a watershed moment for us in Edo State,” Obaseki said.
He also lauded the military presence in the state, noting that the federal security forces had taken control of the situation. “The Chief of Defence Staff assured me that his men were fully on the ground, and I am pleased with their efforts. However, I am not entirely sure what the police are doing at this moment,” Obaseki remarked, while expressing hope that the collation process would remain smooth and peaceful.
Oshiomhole Dismisses Vote-Buying Allegations
Former Edo State governor and APC senator, Adams Oshiomhole, rejected allegations of vote-buying leveled against his party by the PDP. “It is laughable. Have you seen anywhere they are sharing money? People are voting for us because they want good governance,” Oshiomhole said.
He further highlighted the enduring impact of his administration’s projects, which he claimed continue to benefit the people. “All the structures I put in place eight years ago are still standing. In contrast, projects by the current administration have faded within a year,” Oshiomhole concluded.
As the collation of results continues, Edo voters and political stakeholders await the final outcome of this pivotal election.
