The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to review the result of the Edo State governorship election in accordance with Section 65 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The party argues that this review is necessary to reflect the genuine votes cast at the polling units.
PDP acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, announced the party’s rejection of the election outcome at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
He indicated that the PDP plans to challenge the result in court.
“The way the judiciary handles the outcome of the Edo election will determine the future of Nigeria,” Damagum said.
He asserted that the people of Edo State had chosen Dr. Asue Ighodalo as their next governor, and only the votes cast at the polling units should be considered valid.
Damagum claimed that despite alleged violence, intimidation, and manipulation by the APC, the results from the polling units showed Ighodalo clearly won the election before figures were allegedly altered in favour of the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo, during the state collation process.
He emphasised that the PDP would test the judiciary’s readiness to deliver justice.
“The most crucial issue is to scrutinise the judiciary’s performance closely, as the failure of the judicial system undermines the country,” Damagum added.
Damagum recalled that the PDP had previously raised concerns about an alleged plot by the APC to subvert the election. He accused the APC of compromising INEC officials and collaborating with security operatives to undermine the democratic process.
“The APC-compromised security operatives and thugs terrorised, harassed, and detained PDP members and supporters, creating a climate of fear and allowing APC agents to manipulate the ballot process. Genuine results were substituted with fictitious figures, transferring the victory from our candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to the defeated APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
The party called on Nigerians and international supporters of democracy to stand in solidarity with the people of Edo State against what they describe as an assault on democratic rights.
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