Labour Party members in the House of Representatives have rejected the outcome of the recent Edo State governorship election, which declared Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who polled 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on Monday, the Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, representing 32 Labour Party lawmakers, condemned the election process, claiming that Akpata, their candidate, was unfairly rigged out. Ozodinobi described Akpata as the best candidate in the race, noting that his legal expertise and former role as President of the Nigerian Bar Association made him the ideal choice for Edo State.
“The Labour Party fielded the best candidate, who was clearly rigged out. Akpata had immense support, but anti-democratic forces undermined his campaign and credibility,” said Ozodinobi. He also pointed out that Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, actively campaigned across Edo State, drawing massive crowds wherever he went as part of the *Obedient Movement*.
Ozodinobi further accused INEC and security agents of facilitating election manipulation. He alleged widespread irregularities, including vote buying, voter intimidation, mass thumb printing, and alteration of results. “This criminal enterprise, with the involvement of state actors and electoral officials, must be stopped,” he added, calling for reforms to prevent similar malpractices in future elections.
The Labour Party caucus described the election as a blatant theft of the people’s will. They called on INEC to address the issues immediately and ensure transparency in upcoming elections, particularly the 2027 polls.
The lawmakers also expressed confidence in the continued rise of the *Obedient Movement*, vowing that nothing could stop their momentum. “The Obi-dient Movement is unstoppable, and we will not rest until the people’s rights are fully respected,” Ozodinobi stated.
When asked if the Labour Party had evidence that Akpata won the election, Ozodinobi urged Nigerians to remain patient, promising that the party would take necessary action soon. The Labour Party remains committed to upholding democratic values and fighting for the people’s rights, he assured.
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