Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has firmly rejected recent comments made by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, concerning the integrity of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.
Reacting through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo described Obi’s remarks as “unfounded” and “disrespectful to the people of Edo State.”
Obi had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election, implying that it lacked transparency and fairness. However, the governor countered these assertions, stating that the electoral process was both peaceful and credible.
“The Edo State Governorship Election was conducted by the highest standards of electoral integrity, as observed by both local and international observers,” the statement read. “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensured a level playing field, and the process was widely acknowledged as credible.”
Governor Okpebholo maintained that Obi’s comments lacked credible evidence and were driven more by political expediency than any genuine concern for democratic values.
“It is regrettable that a figure of Mr Obi’s standing would choose to undermine the democratic process with such baseless allegations,” Itua stated.
The statement urged Peter Obi to retract his comments and acknowledge the legitimacy of the people’s choice. “We implore him to contribute constructively to the nation’s democratic discourse rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric,” Itua added.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and democratic development, warning that he would not allow anyone to disrupt the political stability Edo State has worked hard to achieve.
“The people of Edo State have spoken, and their voice must be respected,” the governor said.
