It was a melodrama at the Benin High Court today, as the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate in the September 21st governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, faced an embarrassing reception as crowd that gathered at the court premises voiced their discontent by booing him.
The tribunal, tasked with hearing electoral disputes, witnessed a crowd expressing their rejection of Asue and the PDP as his appearance was greeted with a loud boo, and mocking sounds from those within the premises.
The boos and jeers echoed through the venue, highlighting a growing sentiment among the Edo populace that they have rejected PDP and it’s candidate at the polls and are satisfied with the approach to governance so far exhibited by the governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
Highly irritated by the presence of Asue at the court premises, some persons who spoke with newsmen argued that the governorship election was fair and transparent and the outcome, a reflection of the will of the people who were tired with the failures of Godwin Obaseki’s administration.
One of the respondents, Osamu Iyamu said, “it is really irritating that politicians in this part of the world see election as a do or affair. Even when it is clear to all that Asue and the PDP lost the last election fairly due to the failure of Obaseki and his many fights with Edo people, they still want to waste Edo people’s time with court processes. It is appalling and we have to move past this stage for our democracy to evolve.”
Another respondent, Mrs Doris Izebhigie, said, “Election has come and gone and a winner have emerged. Edo people can see clearly that the new Governor means business. In few weeks, he has given us reasons to be hopeful again. Asue should leave our govenor alone and stop distracting him. After all, he has done in 4 weeks, what they couldn’t do in 8 years, and we are happy with him.”
Political observers argue that, apart from the fact that the Edo election was fairly transparent and credible, the proactive approach of Governor Monday Okpebholo to governance in the state has contributed in no small measure to a growing disaffection for the opposition PDP and its governorship candidate.
As the election tribunal continues to sit in Benin City, it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond to this backlash and growing dissatisfaction from the public, especially at a time that the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is seen to be addressing the core issues that are of concern to Edo people across the three senatorial districts.
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