INEC Slams PDP Governors For Alleging Manipulation In Edo Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly criticized governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for alleging manipulation in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024. The election saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, emerge victorious with 291,667 votes, ahead of the PDP’s Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,761 votes.

PDP Governors’ Allegations

Following a two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the PDP Governors’ Forum issued a communique condemning what it described as the “rape of democracy” during the Edo election. The forum accused INEC of tampering with results to favor the APC and highlighted alleged vote-buying by the APC in the Ondo election. The governors called on the judiciary and the National Assembly to strengthen electoral laws to prevent what they termed “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”

In the communique, the forum stated:

“It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favor of the APC candidate when in fact the majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo… The forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”

INEC’s Response

In a rebuttal, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the allegations as baseless and inappropriate. He criticized the PDP governors for engaging in what he termed a “media trial” rather than focusing on their petition before the election tribunal.

“As a law-abiding organization, we cannot comment on a matter that is before the court. It is sub judice,” Oyekanmi said. He urged the PDP to present evidence in court, adding, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win.”

On claims of irregularities in Ondo, Oyekanmi defended INEC’s performance, calling it “one of the best elections conducted by the commission,” while acknowledging that no election is entirely flawless.

APC’s Counterarguments

The APC also weighed in, accusing the PDP governors of inciting public sentiment instead of pursuing legal avenues. Bala Ibrahim, APC’s National Publicity Director, questioned the PDP’s motives, suggesting the opposition party might be planning actions that could destabilize the nation.

“Why is the PDP refusing to utilize the provision of going to the constitutional court, rather than the public court?” Ibrahim queried. He further criticized the PDP for allegedly disregarding pre-election peace accords, raising suspicions about their intentions.

Ibrahim concluded by calling on the PDP to embrace democratic principles and avoid inciting the public, stating, “These are governors put in place by constituted courts, not the court of public opinion. They need to be schooled on the proper conduct of politics.”

Conclusion

The clash between INEC, the APC, and the PDP over the Edo governorship election reflects ongoing tensions in Nigeria’s electoral process. While the PDP insists on electoral reforms to safeguard democracy, INEC and the APC maintain that legal avenues, not public outcry, are the appropriate channels for addressing grievances. The tribunal’s ruling on the PDP’s petition will ultimately determine the validity of the allegations and the credibility of the election.