The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party appears set for another round of crisis, following a decision to discontinue with its petition challenging Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s re-election.
The party, had last week Friday, petitioned the Election Petitions Tribunal in Benin over the re-election of Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria at the July 14 governorship election. However, in a statement on Monday, it made a U-turn, announcing the discontinuation of the petition.
In a statement titled ‘Let God Be the Judge’, by its chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, the PDP anchored its decision on the likely “consequences of protracted litigation on the state.”
In the statement, which appeared at variance with the mood of its governorship candidate, Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd.), who said he would address another press conference on the issue, the party called on members in the state not to be discouraged by its defeat at the poll.
Responding to his party’s latest move, Airhiavbere, in a telephone conversation, said only Orbih could explain the development.
He said, “I may not be able to make any statement on phone, because I don’t know who I am speaking with. Ask the party chairman. When I come out, I am going to call a press conference.”
When asked to respond to Airhiavbere’s statement, Orbih said, “I am not General. Ask him.”
The PDP, in its statement, however continued in its condemnation of the process that returned Oshiomhole, describing it as ridiculous.
It said, “The results of the election are not only ridiculous but also completely at variance with rational reasoning and human expectations.
“Curiously, on election day, Oshiomhole had earlier rejected the way and manner the election was being conducted by INEC when he thought his rigging plan had failed, yet the result of the same election is now being hailed by all because it is PDP that has lost. It has now become a tradition that when the PDP loses an election, the election is free and fair.
“With the above assessment of the results, the PDP is aware of the divergent views and expressions by the public. PDP is also aware of the legal options. However, PDP has fully consulted the leadership of the party both within and outside the state.
“During these consultations, legal opinions were sought and it is the conclusion of the party that while we appreciate the effects the results declared by INEC will have on our teaming members, we are also mindful of the consequences which may run into protracted litigation.”
“Consequently, though painful, for now, PDP has decided not to file any petition before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the interest of the state,” said the party.
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