The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the outcome of the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, which declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the winner.
News About Nigeria reported that Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes.
The APC won 10 out of the 18 Local Government Areas, while the PDP claimed the remaining eight.
Despite the official result, the PDP, supported by its Governors Forum, insisted that Ighodalo was the true winner.
Speaking on Sunday, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Chairman of the Edo Governorship Election National Campaign Council, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of violating the Electoral Act and held the commission responsible for what he termed electoral malpractice.
In a statement, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, reiterated Fintiri’s claim, stating that results from polling units indicated Ighodalo was in the lead.
The PDP alleged that the APC, in collaboration with some INEC officials and security personnel, altered and substituted genuine results to favour Okpebholo.
“The PDP stands by the election results as collected by its agents across Edo State, showing that Dr. Asue Ighodalo clearly won the election,” the statement read.
“The rush and aggressive response from the APC further demonstrate their desperation to cover up their manipulation and theft of the mandate freely given to Ighodalo by Edo voters.”
The PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, called on INEC to act impartially and reflect the true will of the people of Edo State.
They urged the electoral body to announce accurate results to safeguard democracy and prevent disputes that could lead to unrest.
The Forum also criticised the APC’s approach, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could be at risk due to the “state capture” mentality of the Tinubu-led government.
“As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time.
“The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices, and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realise their legitimate dreams.
