Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in Edo State, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, have rejected the ruling of the Election Petitions Tribunal, which upheld the election of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Ize-Iyamu described the judgment dismissing his petition as porous and one that cannot stand at the higher courts.
Addressing PDP elders, leaders and party supporters at his campaign office , Ize-Iyamu described the judgment as unacceptable.
He expressed gratitude to his supporters who he said thronged the tribunal venue without any form of compensation, assuring them that the journey ahead would be shorter.
He said: “From the snippets I heard of the tribunal judgment, it cannot stand in the higher courts. This case must be pursued up to the Supreme Court.
“I want to thank God that we have all been able to reach this part of the journey.
“What gladdens my heart is that God will vindicate us in the long run.
“Don’t be dismayed. We are still hoping for your support.
“I urge you all to be calm and refrain from being provoked into violence.
“Even if they push you, laugh.”
State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, said the party planned to appeal the tribunal’s ruling.
“I want to tell you that we have just started the journey as a party. I have no doubt that we are fighting a just cause,” he said.
Commending elders, leaders and supporters of the party across the state for their show of solidarity, he said: “The mandate that was freely given to us by Edo people, we have a duty to retrieve it. The party will go on appeal.
“We have told our lawyers to appeal the judgment.
“The issues we raised in the petition were not addressed by the tribunal.
“I appeal to Edo people to remain calm but resolute in our bid to reclaim the mandate given to Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.”
