The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has said that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in disarray following its inability to defend Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory at the September 21, 2024, governorship election before the election tribunal.
According to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, “the APC has now resorted to outlandish propaganda, twisting facts and telling unintelligent lies in the media, in a desperate and devious attempt to mask its obvious failure, and manipulate public perception”.
The statement noted that last week, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) abandoned its declaration, refusing to defend its actions, and failing to call a single witness after promising to do so.
It pointed out that Okpebholo, on Monday this week, failed to justify his legitimacy, calling just one witness.
It said: “In a stunning twist, even that witness admitted, under cross-examination, that over-voting occurred.
“Rattled and humiliated, his lawyers abruptly shut down their defence, running from the tribunal in full retreat.
“The APC and 3rd Respondent, sensing the disaster unfolding, scrambled and pleaded for an adjournment to buy time, leading to the adjournment of the proceedings till Wednesday, February 12.”
The PDP accused the APC of peddling lies contrary to what happened at the tribunal. “Instead of re-examining their losing legal strategy, the APC and their handlers have instead embarked on a voyage into the world of fantasy, aggressively sponsoring false narratives in various sections of the media, and telling a completely different story from what transpired in court,” the statement added.
Nehikhare, however, informed the APC and Okpebholo that no amount of delay or propaganda could change the facts, saying that their lawyers are not likely to fare any better.
He said: “The evidence is irrefutable. The Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) records, IREV data, and Certified True Copies (CTCs) all tell the same story, the election was rigged, and Okpebholo has no business sitting as governor.
“The people are eagerly awaiting the judiciary to correct the wrong that was done on September 21, 2024, and return the stolen mandate to the PDP and Asue Ighodalo, whom they overwhelmingly voted for during the last governorship election in the State.”
