The All Progressives Congress APC flagbearer in the recently conducted governorship election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, yesterday hinted that he hope to seek legal redress on the outcome of the election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC declared Godwin Obaseki of the People’s Democratic Party PDP, winner of the election having secured the highest votes.
Obaseki polled 307,955 votes across 18 local government areas, while Ize-Iyamu secured 223,619 votes.
Ize-Iyamu, while sending Edo people a congratulatory message to mark the country’s 60th Independent anniversary yesterday said, “But then, the next question is after September, 19 what next? We owe you an explanation of the way forward. Indeed, not a few have been bombarding us with this question.
“Well, we have kept quiet so far, not because we are bad losers, as some unfairly presumed. It’s rather because no matter the situation, we are staunch soldiers of the rule of law and due process.
“Suffice it to say that, with due sensitivity to the feelings of our people, we are busy collating our facts. Only after can we speak and speak authoritatively, in the best tradition of the rule of law and fairness to all. We will brief you all in good time and that is near.
“In the course of our methodical approach, not a few deem to have pre-empted our course of action – and pleaded that we do not proceed to the courts to challenge the election results.
“While that cannot be dismissed as an entirely bad idea, what I can say is that whatever action we subsequently take would be rooted in due process and the rule of law. We will exercise every right available to us under the law, given the electoral facts at our disposal.”
Ize-Iyamu stated further that the People’s Democratic Party and their agents have issued lawsuits against himself and his runningmate and plans to pursue any legal option he seems fit so long as it doesn’t disrupt the peace in the State.
He enjoined the people of Edo State to continue to remain peaceful and law abiding.
