Emmanuel OchayiEdo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has applauded the peaceful conduct of last Saturday’s local government elections in the state, asserting that it truly reflected the aspirations of the Edo people.
The ruling People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) won in all 18 local government areas in the state.
The election according to the governor, not only showcased the triumph of democracy but also underscored the PDP’s firm hold on the state.
Obaseki made this known while speaking during the 15th memorial thanksgiving service for his late father, Pa Roland Oni Obaseki, at the Diocese of Benin (Anglican Communion), St. Peter’s Anglican Church, on Sunday.
The governor was joined at the service by esteemed government officials, including the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., and Oredo Local Government chairman-elect, Dr. Tom Obaseki.
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With an air of elation, the governor noted that Edo State’s populace demonstrated their democratic maturity by maintaining a violent-free electoral process.
He commended the diligence of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), which efficiently managed polling units across the three metropolitan local government areas.
“We have a situation room where we monitored the election process across the State and want to thank the people. You can see that we are democratically mature in Edo State, in terms of the way the election was conducted,” Governor Obaseki stated.
“The turnout was fair as expected and it shows that we can conduct elections without disrupting economic and social activities.
“The people voted and went about their various activities for the weekend. Overall, I believe we have done well. It was a free and fair election,” he added.
Highlighting the PDP’s dominant presence, Governor Obaseki said: “The mass participation and dominance of PDP as a party in the State was clearly exhibited in this election.”
He also noted that challenges and disputes are common in elections, referencing even the elections in the United States.
Governor Obaseki emphasised the importance of provisions in the law and the electoral process for tribunals to review and adjudicate cases and complaints from contestants.
Reflecting on the fervent PDP campaign, he added, “Overall, the evidence is overwhelming as PDP campaigned in this LG election as if it was a major national election.
“I went with them around the 18 local government areas of the State, and Councillors campaigned vigorously across various wards across the State, but I didn’t see too much of the opposition parties, and I am not surprised at the results from the election. There was no violence, and this shows that the election result is a reflection of the wish of the Edo people.”
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