Matilda Omonaiye/
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced all results in the governorship election held yesterday in Edo State and declared Governor Godwin Obaseki of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner after he led in 13 out of 18 local governments areas.
According to INEC, Obaseki polled a total vote of 307,955 to defeat Pastor Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 223,619 votes to place second among 14 candidates whose parties participated in the election.
Supporters of PDP were seen, outside the collating center, celebrating the victory with the ‘God Win’ song of Nigerian pop star, Korede Bello.
The final results for the candidates and parties are Edemakhiota Godwin Osaimiamia (AA) – 107, Mary Oboh (ADC) – 1370, Iboi Lucky Emmanuel (ADP) – 2374, Osagie Ize-Iyamu (APC) – 223619, Idehen Osagie Lucky (APGA) – 177, Igbineweka Osamuede (APM) – 57, Areloegbe Amos Osalumese (APP) – 78, Osifo Uhun-Ekpenma Isaiah (LP) – 267, Agol Ebun Tracy (NNPP) – 258, Ozono Stevie Nash (NRM) – 573, Godwin Obaseki (PDP) – 307,955, Obayangbon Felix Izekor (SDP) – 323, Osagionare Jones (YPP) – 132, and Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena (ZLP) – 117.
The number of total valid votes is 537,437, rejected votes – 12835, and total vote cast stood at 550,242.
The last results came in from Ovia Southwest to complete the exercise that covered 18 local government areas in the state.
Obaseki had defeated his closest rival, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, in 2016, when he contested on the platform of APC and Ize-Iyamu flew the flag of PDP.
Yesterday, Obaseki contested on the platform of PDP and Ize-Iyamu was APC candidate.
The election, according to political leaders and observers was generally peaceful, but electoral officers reported that a staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was shot by unknown gunmen yesterday and another was injured in the face.
NewsmakersNG reported that a suspected ballot-box snatcher was killed during the election.
In results announced by INEC, PDP won 12 out of the 18 local government areas.
Results so far announced are: Igueben – APC 5199 PDP 7870, Esan North East – APC 6556 PDP 13579, Esan Central – APC 6719 PDP 10694, Ikpoba Okha – APC 18218 PDP 41030, Uhunmwonde – APC 5972 PDP 10022, Egor – APC 10202 PDP 27621, Owan East – APC 19295 PDP 14762, Owan West – APC 11193 PDP 11485, Ovia North – APC 9907 PDP 16987, Etsako West – APC 26140 PDP 17959, Esan South East – APC 9237 PDP 10563, Oredo – APC 18365 PDP 43498, Esan West – APC 7189 PDP 17434, Akoko Edo – APC 22,963 PDP 20101, Etsako East APC 17, 011 PDP 10668, Etsako Central – APC 8359 PDP 7478, Orhionmwon -APC 10,458 PDP 13,445, Ovia Southwest – APC 10,636 PDP 12,659.
The results were announced at the INEC’s collating centre in Benin City, Edo State today.
Thousands of votes were cancelled at various units for what INEC officials called over-voting and ballot box snatching. NewsmakersNG learnt that a suspected ballot-box snatcher was killed by a mob at Unit 13, Ward 6, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo North.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has commended INEC and expressed satisfaction with the polls as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Adeleye Oyebade who is coordinating the security operations urged the people of Edo State to remain calm and sustain the peace so far achieved.
Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal also expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the election. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari and INEC for making the exercise peaceful, free and fair.
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