The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said he is yet to reach a final decision on whether to challenge the outcome of the election.
Ize-Iyamu in a 60th Independence Anniversary to the people of the state, said he is still collating facts on the election. The APC’s candidate’s position is in contrast to the one taken by President Muhammadu Buhari, who had claimed credit for the free, fair and peaceful conduct of the election. Also the National leadership of the APC has urged Ize-Iyamu to congratulate the winner, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“But then, the 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 presume. 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 rule of law, fairness to all and due process. We will brief you all in good time and that time is near.
“In the course of our methodical approach, not a few deem to have preempted 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 plea, 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.
“Even as we speak, our people should know that PDP and their agents and privies have instituted 13 law suits against my running mate and I. None of them have they discontinued after the election. So, if the PDP don’t pass up their rights under the law, why should we, in APC, do so?
“So, we are at liberty to pursue any legal option we deem fit, so long as the peace of Edo, our beloved homeland, is not threatened.
“So, until you hear from us, I beseech our members to remain peaceful and law-abiding. Let us enjoy the rare pleasure of our nation clocking 60” he said.
