Edo Fraudulent Local Govt. Election Further Exposed Obaseki’s Government – APC Chairman

By Reporter

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Col David Imuse (rtd), has condemned the September 2, 2023 Local Government Election in the state as “shocking display of fraudulence and deception.”

Imuse’s position is contained in a statement released yesterday September 4, 2023, in Bnin City, Edo State Capital.

“I am sure you are all aware that the 2nd September, 2023 local government elections in Edo state, organized by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), was a shocking display of fraudulence and deception orchestrated by the Edo state government, headed by Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and at the expense of Edo tax payers.

“What was purported to be an election or selection process turned out to be nothing more than a sham, leaving Edo citizens severely disillusioned and questioning the integrity of the EDSIEC.

“As you clearly observed, EDSIEC officials, refusing to perform their duties, were conspicuously absent in a majority of the polling units.

“And in those places where they did make an appearance, ballot paper were short-supplied – 100 ballots per unit inrespective of the numbers of registered voters in that units. There were no result sheets.”

The APC chairman retorted that, the deliberate absence of EDSIEC officials was at the instance of the Obaseki regime, who was terrified by the mass turnout of Voters across the State

“I am sure you were equally alarmed by the absence of EDSIEC officials at the so-called results collation centers, which render any possibility of legitimate result tabulation null and void.

“The deliberate absence of EDSIEC officials was at the instance of the Obaseki regime, who was terrified by the mass turnout of Voters across the State.

“His plan all along was to read prepared results with his handpicked candidates as winners which he eventually did.

“The scenes all over casts serious doubts on the credibility and transparency of the election, further reinforcing the allegations of fraudulent practices carried out by the Obaseki government.”

Col Dr Imuse urged Edo People that, the “sad event serves as an unfortunate yet undeniable testament to the deteriorating state of governance in our state, where the EDSIEC, entrusted with the democratic process appear to be complicit in undermining it.

“It is distressing to witness such blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rights of Edo citizens.

“Citizens of Edo state have a right to legitimate representation and government that upholds their democratic values.

“The events that unfolded during this sham of a local government election once again demonstrated a critical need for immediate intervention, accountability, and a thorough investigation into the conduct of EDSIEC and the Edo state government.”

He therefore submitted that, “…there was no local government election in Edo state and so no results in any guise should be released by the EDSIEC.

“In the same vein, there should be no attempt to swear in any person or persons as Chairman or Councillor, on the basis of the so-called election.”

The APC Col Imuse urged “…all concerned stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the general public, to take note of this grave travesty and join us in demanding justice and fairness for the people of Edo state.”