The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has
responded to allegations from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors
regarding manipulation of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
During a recent two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the
PDP governors claimed that electoral irregularities prevented the party’s
candidate, Asue Ighodalo, from winning in Edo.
They PDP governors also accused INEC of rigging in the
recent Ondo election.
They alleged that INEC altered results to benefit the APC
and urged the judiciary and lawmakers to enhance electoral laws to combat what
they referred to as “institutional sabotage of the will of the people”.
In response, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the
INEC Chairman, called the allegations “unfortunate and inappropriate,”
emphasizing that INEC, as a law-abiding body, cannot comment on ongoing court
matters.
Oyekanmi criticized the PDP governors for engaging in a
“media trial”, encouraging them to present their evidence in court instead of
making unsubstantiated claims publicly.
He pointed out that the PDP has filed a petition at the
tribunal to contest the Edo State governorship election results, suggesting
they should provide their evidence there.
Regarding the Ondo State election, Oyekanmi defended INEC’s
performance, labeling it one of the best elections conducted by the Commission.
He urged political parties to adopt a spirit of
sportsmanship, stating, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election
only when you win.”
Recall that the electoral body had declared Monday Okpebholo
of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Edo election with 291,667
votes, with the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, securing 247,274 votes.
Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,761 votes.
Similarly, in Ondo, INEC declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the
winner of the governorship election that was held on Nov 14 defeating the
Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate Agboola Ajayi, and Olorunfemi Festus
of the Labour Party.
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