By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressive Congress , APC, has condemned the purported local government election held on September 2 2023 in the state.
The state chairman Of the party, Col. Dr David Imuse rtd, said 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.
Imuse said, 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.
“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.
“this 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. “
He said that EDSIEC officials, refused to perform their duties ,and were conspicuously absent in a majority of the polling units adding that ballot paper were short-supplied – 100 ballots per unit inrespective of the numbers of registered voters in that units.l, stating that “There were no result sheets.”
The party chairman said the exercise is a sham and stressed the need for immediate intervention, accountability, and a thorough investigation into the conduct of EDSIEC and the Edo state government.
“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 is hereby urging 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. “