By IVM Channels
Patience Ndidi Key, the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the just-concluded 2024 Edo State election, has condemned the conduct of the polls, describing it as a “shame of a nation.
At a press conference held in Benin City today, Monday 30th September, Key alleged that the election was marred by vote-buying, rigging, and widespread electoral malpractice.
In her address, she expressed deep disappointment in the electoral process, stating that it failed to reflect the true will of the Edo people.
“The election was not free, fair, or credible. It was riddled with corruption, and the integrity of the process has been severely compromised,” she said.
Key called on Nigerians to become more involved in electing credible leaders, urging citizens to resist apathy and engage actively in the political process.
She also directed her criticism toward the media, challenging journalists and media houses to uphold integrity and credibility in their reportage.
“The media must play its constitutional role without fear or favour. If our democracy is to thrive, the press must be the beacon of truth and accountability,” she emphasised.
Despite her dissatisfaction with the election process, Ndidi announced that her party would not be challenging the election results in court.
She expressed a lack of faith in the judicial process, stating that any legal action would only result in a “waste of time and resources.”
However, in a surprising turn, indicated her willingness to work with the governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should the opportunity arise.
“If I am called upon to serve in any capacity by the incoming administration, I am ready to contribute my efforts towards the development of Edo State,” she remarked.
Key concluded her speech by reaffirming her commitment to fighting electoral corruption in Nigeria.
“This struggle is far from over. We must reform our electoral system to ensure that the voice of the people is truly heard.”
The Edo gubernatorial election, which saw Senator Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged as the winner, has been the subject of heated discussions, with several opposition candidates alleging foul play. However, with Ndidi Key’s decision not to pursue legal action, it remains to be seen how other political actors will respond to the situation.
The Manipulated Edo Gubernatorial Election-A Call for Accountability and the Future of Edo State
Fellow Edo people, esteemed residents, members of the media, and supporters far and wide, It is with a heavy heart, but with unshakable resolve, that I address the events surrounding the recently concluded Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024.
The election, which should have been a moment of hope and a step forward for the people of Edo, was tragically marred by manipulation, vote-buying, and outright rigging. The “Rig, Rigger, Riggest” Election The election was not a contest of ideas, policies, or the will of the people-it was the most rigged, orchestrated by the three so-called “popular parties: the APC, PDP, and LP.
In truth, the people of Edo State had no interest in voting for APC, PDP, or LP. These parties have, over the years, systematically impoverished our state, stripped us of dignity, and left our infrastructure, economy, and human capital in shambles.
The APC, known for its notorious electoral manipulations, once again showed its expertise in rigging elections. The PDP, whose candidate, the current chairman of Edo State’s Economic Council, has failed woefully to add any real value to the state’s economy over the past years, had no moral standing to even contest.
The LP candidate secured his nomination through blatant vote-buying, making a mockery of the democratic process and further undermining the already fragile integrity of our electoral system.
What we witnessed was not a democratic election; it was a rigged, rigger, riggest show of corruption and electoral malpractice that does not represent the will of the people of Edo State. The Consequences of Vote Buying and Selling Let us be clear: Vote buying and selling is not just a crime-it is a deliberate act of self-sabotage. It has dire consequences for both the state and its people.
The people of Edo State have been so deeply impoverished by decades of mismanagement that many now believe selling their votes is a solution to their immediate hunger.
But, my dear people, this practice only deepens the cycle of poverty, corruption, and underdevelopment. When we sell our votes, we are selling our future and the future of our children.
This transactional politics does not bring relief; it brings greater suffering. The small amount of money exchanged during elections will be used by these politicians to recoup their “investment” through corrupt practices and mismanagement once in office. They are buying your poverty, not your progress.
