The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for deciding to focus on pre-election issues.
Recall that Governor Godwin Obaseki of the PDP had defeated Ize-Iyamu in the September 19, 2020, Edo governorship election.
In a statement on Monday, Ize-Iyamu disclosed that he would not be approaching the Edo election tribunal to challenge the governorship election.
He stated that while many malpractices could easily form the basis to challenge the election results, his campaign has decided not to commence an election petition in order to avoid “further tension”.
“On our part, we had filed two pre-election cases against the PDP and its flagbearer challenging their eligibility to contest the election. These are all lawful and integral parts of the electoral process in any democracy, which we must all respect and acknowledge as genuine democrats.
“The outcome of these pending cases have direct effect on the election. Consequently, we have decided to continue with our pre-election cases in full exercise of our legal rights, just as our opponents have considered it their prerogative to also continue with their pre-election cases against us,” the APC candidate said.
But reacting in a statement in Benin Monday by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare. the PDP said the cleric’s decision was disingenuous and destined to fail.
According to the Edo PDP, the only currency left to share within the APC and EPM is the currency of hope.
The statement reads in part: “The futile pre-election matter is to act as oxygen for the few remaining Edo people still in APC/EPM bondage. They are to be fed hope as a strategy so that the shackles fitted to their ankles and wrists can be maintained.
“The defeated APC candidate stated that the election, which has been adjudged as one of the best in the history of the country, was characterized by violence, manipulation, disenfranchisement amongst others, but will not challenge it.
“We reject and condemn his jaundiced position on the election and which to advice him to show respect to the wishes of Edo people. He should respect their views and decisions as Edo have been very kind to him!
“Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu should know that he cannot retrieve what he lost at the polls at the court.
“The PDP, Governor Godwin Obaseki and the Edo people are waiting for him”.
