PDP withdraws petition against Governor Oshiomhole

JETHRO IBILEKE/Benin

The Edo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have distanced itself from the petition filed last week by its candidate, General Charles Airhiavbere (retd) at the State Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin challenging the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the 14 July polls.

In an indication that shows some division within the party,state Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih today told journalists on phone about the withdrawal of the petition.

The party’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Okharedia Ihemekpen had in a statement on Sunday said the party had petitioned the tribunal and gave reasons for the legal redress to include the academic qualification of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

However, Orbih on Monday, while expressing dissatisfaction with the declaration of Oshiomhole as winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), disassociated the party from the legal option.

In a statement titled, “Edo State Governorship Election- 2012: Let God be the Judge” and signed by Orbih, the party said: “though the party worked hard to ensure the victory of its candidate, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, the results that were declared by INEC were in favour of the ACN candidate, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.”

The statement alleged that while the PDP worked and abided by the principle of One Man, One Vote, its main opponent engaged the instrumentality of intimidation, adding that they obstructed the continuous voters’ re- registration exercise thereby preventing eligible voters from being registered and vote during the election.

The statement also alleged that its main opponent manipulated existing voters’ registers as well as the results of the election to their fullest advantage, claiming that the results of the election were not only ridiculous but also completely at variance with rational reasoning and human expectations.

Referring to Governor Oshiomhole’s protest against INEC’s handling of the conduct of the election, Orbih said the results of the same election were now being hailed by all because it is PDP that lost, adding “it has now become a tradition that when the PDP loses an election, the election is free and fair”.

“With the above assessment of the results, PDP is aware of the divergent views and expressions by the public. PDP is also aware of the legal options. However, PDP has fully consulted the leadership of the party at both within and outside the state.

“During these consultations, legal opinions were sought and it is the conclusion of the party that while we appreciate the effects of the results declared by INEC will have on our teeming members, we are also mindful of the consequences which the state may run into with protracted litigation.

“Consequently, though painful, for now PDP has decided not to file any petition before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the interest of the state,” the statement said.

While praying to God to grant the leadership of the PDP the wisdom and courage to continuously stand for the good of the party and Edo people, Orbih gave assurance that the party’s commitment and sacrifices and the pains they have endured would not be in vain.

He urged the leadership to reposition the party with committed people, make peace and allow God to be the judge.

In what appeared to be a division within the party, the PDP candidate, General Airhiavbere has promised to address a press conference over the issue of withdrawal of the petition from the tribunal.

“Ask the chairman of the party. I may not be able to make any comment on phone because I don’t know who I am talking to. When I come out, I will address a press conference,” was the reaction of Airhiavbere when called on phone to inquire if he was aware of his party’s withdrawal of the election petition.

In the same vein, when Chief Orbi was questioned if General Airhiavbere was in support of the withdrawal of the petition, he said: “I am not the General, please go and ask him.”