A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Rivers State and member, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Amb. Mina Horsfall, has expressed sadness over the outcome of the last weekend’s gubernatorial election in Edo State in which the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Accusing the Presidency and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, a key PDP chieftain, and others of piloting the exercise to have a pre-determined outcome for the ruling APC, Lady Horsefall urged the people of Edo State to work towards retrieving their ‘stolen mandate’ even as she described Wike’s role as unfortunate.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Tuesday, Horsfall expressed disappointment and outrage, alleging that “INEC has failed Nigerians, the President has turned deaf ears to the people he swore to protect, and democracy has been raped.”

According the Kalabari, Rivers State-born politician, the Edo State governorship election was compromised, accusing certain leaders of prioritising personal interests over the welfare of the people.

“Again, we have lost all hopes in this government. Shamefully, in our faces, Nyesom Wike worked against PDP again, boldly and robbed us of our victory. Sadly, the NWC of PDP still condones such a man instead of expelling him from the party,” she stressed.

Lady Horsfall, therefore, urged the people of Edo State not to give up on their mandate, calling on them to fight to reclaim it, insisting that Okpebholo did not win the election.

“I’m calling on the international community to intervene, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), not to be silent, and praying the judiciary will not approve this injustice.

“At least, if it is this once, they should save the rights of Edo people. The electoral integrity and democratic principles in Nigeria have been compromised,” she stated.

Leadership