Edo Governorship Election Compromised, Say Speakers at NAS Citizens' Summit

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Discussants at a Citizens' Summit organized by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Benbow Deck, unanimously agreed that the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election, which declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo as the winner, was marred by significant compromises.

They cited key factors behind the compromised election, to include the directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to security and other government agencies, as well as discreet vote buying.

The summit featured notable participants such as Barrister Osahon Ahuwan Esq., Secretary General of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Mobolaji Odibara, journalist, Tony Abolo, and Victor Oshioke, Chief of Staff to former Edo State Governor and current Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

The Citizens' Summit, an initiative of NAS, serves as a platform for citizens, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to engage directly on critical national issues. 

It aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and collaboration in the legislative process, ensuring citizens' voices are reflected in decision-making and policy formulation. 

The event typically includes discussions, town hall meetings, and policy recommendations to address the country's pressing challenges.

The summit, themed "X-raying the Aftermath of the Edo State Governorship Election," was shared on the NAS X account (formerly Twitter) @NASPC1952. 

It observed that Nigerians' experiences during the 2023 general elections and the resulting disillusionment led to voter apathy in the Edo election.

Speakers at the summit expressed concerns over vote buying, emphasizing that it exploits voters, distorts their genuine choices, and poses a serious threat to free, fair, and credible elections. 

They also noted that despite the heavy security presence during the election, the practice of vote buying persisted.

Despite concerns about the integrity of the election, the discussants pointed out that the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), congratulated Senator Okpebholo on his victory, even as the opposition PDP voiced its dissatisfaction with the election outcome.

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