Edo LG Election: PDP Cries Foul

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last Saturday described the Edo April 20 local government election as a charade just as Governor Adams Oshiomhole commended the people for their patience.

The PDP in a statement in Benin signed by its publicity secretary, Mr Mathhew Urhoghide, criticised the manner the exercise was conducted.

It alleged that the election “was not designed by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission ( EDSIEC), and the ACN government in the state to happen in ways known and acceptable to the civilized world.

“It is now apparent to all too that the attempted local government election exercise is a charade and a travesty of acceptable democratic practice.’’

The party, however, congratulated the people of the state whom it described as “the victors here’’ for standing up to what they believed in.

“Their roles in the entire process made it impossible for EDSIEC and Edo State Government to write the election results to suit their inordinate ambition of winning all 18 local government councils in the state.

“Let it be on record that the postponement of elections in some local government areas is an unnecessary pressure brought on the tax payers’ patience and finances.

“Edo people should not be made to suffer for the deliberate lapses of EDSIEC and its employer.

“However, all Edo PDP members and Edo people must still be vigilant against the machinations of EDSIEC and its collaborators,’’ the statement said.

But Gov. Oshiomhole commended the peoples’ patience during the polls.

He predicted that the election would be more favourable to the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) since the party’s candidates would embrace the same developmental principle and ideals.

Speaking at Iyamho, in Estako West Local Government Area, Oshiomhole described the process as “peaceful’’.

The governor commended the people for their patience and for coming out to vote in spite of the delay in the arrival of electoral materials.’’