Politics
PDP Women Protest and Demand Edo Election Justice
More than two weeks after the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State, the women’s wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken to the streets in a peaceful protest, rejecting the outcome of the election and demanding the declaration of their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as the rightful winner.
The women, dressed in black to symbolize their mourning, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of stealing their candidate’s victory and handing it over to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The protest, which drew a large crowd of women, took place across several major streets in Benin City.
The protesters carried placards with bold inscriptions, calling for the removal of the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner and accusing INEC of colluding with the police to manipulate the election results in favor of the APC.
Messages on their placards included phrases such as “Edo PDP won the election, but INEC and police colluded to change it” and “INEC sack Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner.”
The women also marched to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, seeking media attention for their cause.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Hon. Stella Okoro, a former chairman of Esan West Local Government Council, expressed the deep disappointment and frustration felt by the PDP women.
She claimed that their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was the legitimate winner of the governorship election but was denied his mandate through what she described as a conspiracy between INEC and security forces.
Okoro stressed that the protest would continue until justice was served, adding that the women were determined to fight for the restoration of their stolen mandate.
“We are here today at NUJ to express our feelings, our pain,” Okoro said. “We are troubled because our mandate was stolen.
Edo people came out to vote for Asue Ighodalo, and now we, the mothers of Edo, are out here in black, mourning the injustice done to us.
We are not lions and tigers; we voted peacefully. Give us back our stolen mandate.”
She further alleged that the APC candidate had used intimidation tactics during the election, including deploying soldiers and police to arrest and harass PDP supporters.
“Our people were intimidated, arrested, and taken to Abuja. Some were held at the State CID. We fought hard to bring them back.
Despite all this, Edo people still voted for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, but their victory was stolen.
We will not rest until INEC gives us what is rightfully ours. The Almighty God is hearing our voices,” she added.
Also lending her voice to the protest, Lady Meg Agbokhai, the Oredo Women Leader of the PDP, vowed that the party’s women would do everything within their power to reclaim the mandate given to Ighodalo and Ogie.
She stressed that the PDP had worked tirelessly during the campaign, visiting all 192 wards in Edo State to rally support for their candidate.
According to her, the overwhelming turnout of voters on election day was proof that the people had chosen Ighodalo as their next governor.
“We are not violent people,” Agbokhai said. “We do not have lions or tigers; human beings came out to vote for the PDP.
We toured the entire state and worked hard to earn the trust of the people. Now, we are calling on INEC, the police, and everyone involved to give us back our mandate.
We labored for this victory, and we will not allow it to be taken from us. Edo people are mourning, and we will continue to cry out until justice is done.”
The protest by the PDP women has drawn attention to the controversies surrounding the Edo governorship election, which has been marred by allegations of electoral malpractices and manipulation.
The women’s demand for justice reflects the growing discontent within the PDP, as party members continue to call for a review of the election process and a fair outcome for their candidate.
The protest also highlights the role of women in political activism, as they have stepped forward to lead the charge in seeking justice for what they believe was a stolen mandate.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called the upcoming Ondo State governorship election a vital chance for Nigerians to voice their desire for positive change.
Makinde urged Ondo residents to make a powerful statement through the ballot, reflecting their commitment to good governance and a brighter future.
Makinde encouraged all who value progress and development to rally behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and cast their votes in support.
He highlighted the PDP’s track record in addressing Nigeria’s issues, arguing that the party is equipped to steer the country out of its economic struggles.
Citing the growth and improvements seen in PDP-led states, he said that these areas demonstrate the party’s potential to uplift communities and strengthen the economy.
In his words, Let every person in Ondo come out on Saturday and speak with their vote.
It’s time to say no to the APC’s neglect of people-centered policies. Nigerians must stand with the PDP—the party with a vision for economic recovery.
Makinde reminded voters that Ondo’s election is a test case, a moment for citizens to prove that their determination can fuel true transformation.
He urged people to reflect on the achievements PDP governors have made across their states.
Just yesterday, we rolled out our Budget of Economic Stabilization, a budget built around putting people first.
We based it on data and real needs. For Oyo State, this means more infrastructure projects, advances in education, and substantial economic growth.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has expressed doubts about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
Speaking in a live media session on Wednesday, Wike argued that Nigerians have repeatedly rejected Atiku’s proposals in past elections.
Wike referred to Atiku’s recent comment that he would have handled Nigeria’s current challenges differently than President Bola Tinubu. In response, Wike remarked, “Nigerians have already reviewed his blueprint and made their decision.”
President Bola Tinubu has offered his sincere congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his official inauguration as the new Governor of Edo State today.
The President extended his best wishes for a successful tenure, urging Governor Okpebholo to work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of Edo State and to leave a lasting legacy throughout his time in office.
Governor Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.
With this win, Okpebholo has assumed leadership from the former governor, Godwin Obaseki, who served for two terms.
In his message, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the trust placed in Governor Okpebholo by the people of Edo and the APC.
He emphasized that the new governor has a significant opportunity to shape the future of the state, urging him to work diligently to justify this trust.
The President also called for the strengthening of democratic institutions, particularly the legislature, noting that a strong, independent legislature is essential for ensuring good governance and the advancement of democracy in Edo State.
Tinubu took the opportunity to reflect on the previous administration under Governor Obaseki, mentioning concerns about the attempts made to weaken the legislative branch, which, in his view, affected its ability to function effectively during much of its tenure.
He stressed that for Edo to move forward, it is essential for all branches of government to work in harmony, with mutual respect for their roles and functions.
Moreover, President Tinubu praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its successful organization of the Edo Governorship Election, which was conducted with transparency and professionalism.
He acknowledged the Commission’s efforts in ensuring a free and fair process, while also encouraging them to maintain and build upon these high standards in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, which is set to take place on November 16, 2024.
President Tinubu concluded his message by celebrating this new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey.
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