The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State took to the streets of Benin on Wednesday, protesting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21 governorship election.
The protest, led by the Edo State PDP Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, and other top officials, saw party members and supporters bearing banners with inscriptions such as “INEC sack Edo REC” and “INEC give us our mandate.” Some protesters chanted slogans, calling on President Bola Tinubu and Senator Adams Oshiomhole to return their “stolen mandate”.
Aziegbemi addressed the protesters, alleging that INEC manipulated the results in some local government areas. He emphasized that the PDP would not congratulate the APC on their “stolen victory” and vowed to reclaim their mandate through the judiciary.
“We thank you all for coming out today on a journey to reclaim the mandate taken away from us,” Aziegbemi said. “We are calling on the judiciary to look at our submission and be truthful in their judgement.”
The Edo State APC Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, dismissed the PDP’s protests, stating that they would not change the election’s outcome. He advised the PDP to approach the tribunal with evidence, rather than resorting to protests.
“The PDP can protest as much as they want, but that cannot change the result of the election,” Uwadiae-Igbinigie said. “They can only approach the tribunal with evidence if they think their mandate has been taken from them.”
The PDP has announced plans to continue protesting until their mandate is recognized, while the APC remains confident in their victory. The electoral tribunal is expected to hear the PDP’s petition and determine the legitimacy of the election results.
