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PDP refrains from challenging Oshiomhole’s victory

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has resolved not to challenge the results of the July 14 governorship elections which returned Comrade Adams … Continue reading PDP refrains from challenging Oshiomhole’s victory


The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has resolved not to challenge the results of the July 14 governorship elections which returned Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the elected governor of Edo State.

Mr. Oshiomhole of the Action Congress on Nigeria (ACN) won a landslide victory in the election winning in all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

The PDP in a statement signed by the state chairman, Chief Dan Osih Orbih, indirectly admitted defeat but alleged that the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria manipulated the result.

“While every genuine member of the party worked hard to win the election they can deduce that the ACN resorted to intimidation and manipulated the process to their fullest advantage” the statement alleged.

Though discounting the result of the election as “ridiculous and completely at variance with rational reasoning and human expectations”, the PDP declared that following wide consultations with the party leadership within and outside the state, “it has resolved not to file any petition at the Election Petition Tribunal in the interest of the state.”

According to the statement, the party vowed to continue and remain steadfast and won’t be discouraged by setbacks as this election defeat may just be a stepping stone to a future victory.

Also referring to the murder of the Governor Oshiomhole’s private secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde and the convoy crash that killed three journalists prior to the elections; the party requested a reply from the governor who accused PDP’s leaders of being behind the incidents.

Citing the prompt renaming of Delta Crescent where its national leader resides after the late Olaitan Oyerinde, the party stated that “it has strived to maintain peace in the state despite severe provocation.”

Right direction

Reacting to the PDP’s decision not to challenge his re-election, the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described the move as a step in the right direction and called on the opposition party to join his government.

“I wish to extend my hand of fellowship to all men of goodwill to join hands with government to move the state to the next level, because, despite all the successes recorded in the last three and half years, Edo state is still work-in-progress” the Governor said.

“I look forward to more collaboration between my government, other political parties and interests in the state” he added.

In a very surprising move, the governor also extended his hands of friendship to the PDP national leader in the state, who he has always over the years lampooned. “I want to restate my full respect for the PDP leader, Chief Tony Anenih, whom I hold and will continue to hold in high respects.”

The olive branch was also extended to the PDP’s candidate who he defeated at the polls.

“I also wish to assure the PDP Candidate, Major-General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd) whom I regard as a friend, that now that we have put the elections behind us, my doors are open so that together, we may lift our state to the high level where it should be.

On questions asked about the allegations over the murder of his private secretary, the governor declined to respond saying, “I however wish to state that other issues raised by the PDP will be commented on, on another occasion.”