Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has strongly condemned recent comments by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning the integrity of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo described Obi’s remarks as “unfounded and disrespectful to the will of the Edo people.”
“The Edo State Governorship Election was conducted by the highest standards of electoral integrity, as observed by both local and international observers,” the statement read.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensured a level playing field, and the process was widely acknowledged as credible.”
Itua said Mr. Obi’s comments lacked credible evidence and appeared to be “politically motivated rather than a genuine concern for democracy.”
“Regrettably, a figure of his standing would choose to undermine the democratic process with such baseless allegations,” he added.
The governor called on Obi to retract his statements and respect the mandate freely given by the people of Edo State.
He urged the former presidential candidate to contribute constructively to Nigeria’s democratic growth instead of engaging in what he termed “divisive rhetoric.”
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the peace and stability of Edo State were non-negotiable and that no one would be allowed to jeopardize the democratic gains recorded in the state.
“The people of Edo State have spoken, and their voice must be respected,” the statement concluded.
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