Labour Party Lawmakers Reject Edo State Governorship Election Results

Members of the Labour Party in the House of Representatives have rejected the outcome of the recent Edo State governorship election, which declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as the winner. The election, held on Saturday, saw Okpebholo secure 291,667 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party and Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party polled 22,763 and 247,274 votes respectively.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex, House Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi, speaking on behalf of the 32 lawmakers elected on the Labour Party platform, condemned the election exercise, claiming that the party’s candidate was rigged out. Ozodinobi alleged that the Labour Party presented the best candidate in the election, who was brazenly rigged out of the process.

The Labour Party leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, had campaigned vigorously for Akpata in every corner of the state. Ozodinobi noted that despite this, Akpata was allocated paltry votes, citing the massive crowd that the Obedient Movement pulled during the campaign. He blamed INEC officials and security agents for the alleged election manipulation.

"We are deeply concerned over the irregularities and alleged malpractices that marred the electoral process," Ozodinobi said. "The Labour Party is committed to democratic principles and will not stand idly by while the rights of our citizens are trampled upon."

The lawmakers urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate action to address the concerns and ensure the integrity of future elections, particularly the 2027 polls. Ozodinobi also warned that the Obi-dient Movement is set to change the nation’s political trajectory in no distant time.

When asked if 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.

The Labour Party’s rejection of the election results has sparked concerns over the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. The party’s commitment to democratic principles and its willingness to fight for the rights of its citizens has resonated with many Nigerians. As the country looks to the future, the Labour Party’s stance on electoral reform and its promise to change the nation’s political trajectory will be closely watched.