Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has broken his silence on his response to his defeat during the governorship election in Edo state.
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress says he won’t be challenging his defeat at the tribunal
Pastor Ize-Iyamu spoke after a thankgiving service at Soul Winners Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Benin, where he told newsmen that the election was not free and fair.
Though he is not filing any petition at the tribunal, he will allow the two pre-election cases instituted against the PDP to continue.
“Contrary to orchestrated media reports, the election was neither free nor fair. There were several episodes of violence, voter intimidation and falsification of results. In particular, there were unlawful cancellation of results particularly from Urhonigbe South and North in Orhiomwon, while results were falsified from many polling units in Ofunama in Ovia South West, and in parts of Ovia North East, Owan West, Oredo, Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, Esan North East, Esan West, Esan South East, and Uhunmwode Local Government Areas.
“Sadly, two persons were killed during the election, while gun-wielding thugs took over collation centres in many locations without the intervention of law-enforcement agents. There were also several cases of malfunctioning card readers, which disenfranchised duly registered voters, in addition to many cases of unregistered voters voting with pre-purchased voters’ cards not collected by their actual owners.
“These malpractices could easily form the basis to challenge the election results. We have, however, decided not to commence an election petition. This is to avoid further tension in the state. We are also mindful that the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and many well-placed individuals have made pronouncements endorsing the process, which we have chosen to respect.
“Nonetheless, we must emphasise that elections are far more than actual voting, just as democracy includes more than just elections. It is in this light that we draw attention to the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party and its flagbearers have continued to pursue several pre-election suits in various courts against us, all totaling 13. One of such cases came up in the High Court, Benin on 2nd October, 2020, days after the election.
“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.”
