After months of intense politicking, the APC triumphed. Is the PDP dead and buried in Edo state as Adams Oshiomole had claimed? I don't think so. We can say that the PDP is dead. However, it is obviously NOT buried yet.
It must be acknowledged that the election was keenly contested between the two major candidates- Godwin Obaseki of the APC and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, the results show it. In spite of the fact that the APC is the ruling party in the state, it was still difficult to tell who would win. Unfortunately, there were reports of voter inducement by some parties. Worse still were reports of various forms of rigging being perpetuated. These issues are setbacks and still make one wonder when our electoral process will become clean and unquestionable.
The drawbacks in this election are what makes the PDP and its candidate believe that they were robbed of their victory. Thus, they are surely heading to the tribunal. Given the Rivers and Akwa Ibom state governorship election scenario last year, I strongly doubt that the PDP will be successful in court. Besides, the APC was still potent enough to win elections in the state. However, as my lecturer, Barrister Daracott, will say, "test your right in court". Therefore, let whoever feels aggrieved should go to court. In this regard, the PDP must be commended for its decision to go to the tribunal rather than instigate violence.
We must commend INEC for trying their best in conducting this election as well as the innovation that was introduced whereby accreditation and voting were simultaneously done thereby saving precious time. However, more needs to be done to address the issues complained about.
Finally, it is my pleasure to congratulate the winner of the polls and Governor-elect of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki. I wish him success in his tenure and I hope that Edo state will be transformed from what it currently is to a better place for its inhabitants.
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