From Moshood Karim
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 on Monday, Key alleged that the election was marred by vote-buying, rigging, and widespread electoral malpractice.
In her address, Key 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.
She called on Nigerians to become more involved in electing credible leaders, urging citizens to resist apathy and engage actively in the political process.
Key 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 Key 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, Key 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.
Read the Press Statement by Patience Ndidi Key, Below:
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. We must understand that the consequences of vote buying and selling are as follows:
Poor Governance: When politicians buy their way into office, they owe no loyalty to the people-only to themselves and their financiers. The result is poor governance, corruption, and a lack of accountability.
Lack of Development: Infrastructure remains decayed, the healthcare system collapses, and our education system continues to crumble. Vote buying keeps the corrupt cycle alive.
Human Capital Erosion: Our youths, women, and men are deprived of opportunities to improve their lives. A state governed by those who buy votes cannot invest in education, skill acquisition, or any meaningful human capital development.
The Failures of the PDP Candidate The PDP candidate, who has held a prominent role as Chairman of the Edo State Economic Council, has failed miserably to revamp the economy, improve infrastructure, or create meaningful jobs for the people.
Edo State’s unemployment rate has skyrocketed while the economic council, under his leadership, has been nothing more than a ceremonial entity with no tangible results.
What has been done to revamp Edo’s economic landscape? Where are the initiatives to foster small businesses, create jobs, or improve healthcare and education? The answer is simple: they do not exist. The people of Edo have suffered enough, and this failed leadership has no place in our future. Edo Deserves Better.
We, the people of Edo State, deserve a leadership that truly serves the people-not a government that perpetuates our suffering.
This election was an opportunity to turn the tide, to move beyond the cycles of poverty and corruption, and to build a state where opportunities abound for all, not just a select few. It is evident that APC, PDP, and LP do not mean well for the people of Edo State. They have consistently robbed us of our future, leaving behind a legacy of bad roads, dilapidated schools, broken healthcare systems, and rampant unemployment.
The hardship inflicted on Nigerians, particularly on the most vulnerable, is a signature of the APC’s incompetence and lack of vision. The same is true for the PDP, whose history of failed leadership mirrors that of the APC. The PDP in Edo State has done nothing but continue the cycle of poverty and suffering, leaving our people in a perpetual state of deprivation.
Their policies have done nothing to create real progress for the people. Both the APC and PDP are two sides of the same coin- together, they are the destroyers of our democracy and the hopes of our people.
These parties have worked hand in hand to impoverish our nation and our state, leaving us with broken roads, dilapidated schools, a dysfunctional healthcare system, and skyrocketing unemployment.
Their candidates represent nothing more than a continuation of the status quo-a system built to serve the interests of a few while the masses suffer. But I remind you today, as your sister, as your daughter, and as your fellow citizen, that we hold the power to change our narrative.
Power belongs to the people, and we must realize that our input is necessary for the transformation of Edo State. A Call to Action: We Must Not Relent Despite the manipulation and the setbacks, I remain steadfast in my belief that a better Edo State is possible.
We must not give up. We must continue to stand against the forces that seek to exploit our people. We must reject the idea that hunger should force us to sell our dignity, our votes, and our future. Instead, we must fight for a system where our votes count, and our leaders are accountable to us the people they were elected to serve.
Let us rebuild our state together. Let us demand more from our leaders and from ourselves. Let us never forget that the eyes of Edo sons and daughters are watching, and we will not stay silent in the face of injustice and corruption. Final Thoughts
This election has proven that the so-called popular parties are more interested in maintaining power than serving the people. But the winds of change are blowing, and the people of Edo State will not be silenced forever.
I, Patience Ndidi Key, will continue this fight for a better Edo-for our children, for our future, and for the dignity of every Edo citizen. I thank everyone who believed in our vision, and I call on all of you to remain hopeful and vigilant. Together, we will overcome.
Together, we will build a state that truly serves its people.
God bless Edo State. God bless Nigeria. And God bless you all.
Patience Ndidi Key Governorship Candidate, Edo State
