Defending Democracy: PDP's Commitment to Safeguard-Votes With Their Blood n Edo State Election
As the Edo State Governorship election approaches, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a firm stance, vowing to protect the integrity of the electoral process. With only seven days to go, the party has pledged to defend its candidate’s votes at all costs, sending a clear warning to both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and any entities attempting to undermine the will of the people.
In a bold statement during the final rally of the party’s campaign in Benin City, the acting national chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagun, made it clear that the party would not tolerate any form of electoral manipulation. His words resonated with the party faithful and echoed a broader concern about the potential for electoral misconduct in the country.
A Call to INEC: No Midnight Result Announcements
Damagun’s message to INEC was unequivocal. He warned the electoral body against announcing results in the dead of night, a practice that has historically been associated with rigging and manipulation. “We don’t want that midnight results announcement,” Damagun declared. “We will be vigilant, on top of the situation, and we will make sure that that doesn’t happen.” His words underscored the PDP’s determination to oversee a transparent electoral process and ensure that results are declared in a timely and open manner.
The party’s leadership has promised to be on high alert throughout the voting and counting process, and they intend to mobilize their supporters to guard their votes. “This is not a threat,” Damagun clarified, “but we are very serious. We will defend our votes with our blood and everything.” The language of sacrifice was intentional, meant to communicate the gravity with which the PDP views the protection of democratic principles.
A Call for Security Agencies to Remain Neutral
Beyond INEC, Damagun also addressed the role of security agencies in the election. He called on law enforcement to remain neutral and ensure a level playing field for all political parties. His appeal was a reminder that the responsibility of the police, military, and other security personnel is to protect the Nigerian people and uphold the law, not to serve as tools for political intimidation.
“We pay your salaries through taxpayers’ money,” Damagun reminded the security forces. “You have a duty to protect Nigerians, ensure justice, and make sure everyone is safe.” The acting chairman made it clear that the PDP would hold security agencies accountable if they were found to be favoring any political party, warning that any partiality would lead to serious consequences. “If you work for any political party, you will have to kill or arrest all of us,” he added defiantly.
A Test for Nigerian Democracy
The upcoming governorship election in Edo State is more than just a local event; it is seen by many as a crucial test of the nation’s democratic process. Damagun expressed the significance of the election, stating that the outcome would either bolster Nigeria’s democratic credentials or expose weaknesses in the electoral system. He reiterated that the PDP would resist any attempts by INEC to undermine the credibility of the election.
“If INEC fails to conduct a free, fair, and credible election, there will be consequences,” he warned. The acting chairman’s statement reflects the broader concerns in Nigeria about the independence of the electoral body and the country’s ability to hold transparent elections.
Campaign Council Chairman's Warning
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the chairman of the PDP’s National Campaign Council for the Edo 2024 Governorship Election, echoed Damagun’s sentiments. Fintiri, who is also the Governor of Adamawa State, warned against any attempts to compromise the election. He emphasized that the PDP is fully prepared to face any challenge and would not allow intimidation or electoral malpractice to go unchecked.
Fintiri made it clear that the party is determined to protect the votes of the people. “Nobody can intimidate us,” he stated confidently. “Nobody can rig this election against our candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo.” His message was a direct challenge to any forces that might consider undermining the will of the people in Edo State.
A Historic State: Edo as the Cradle of Civilization
Fintiri also took the opportunity to remind the electorate of Edo State’s important place in Nigerian history, describing it as the “cradle of civilization and intellectualism.” This appeal to the state’s heritage was a strategic move to encourage voter turnout, as the governor urged the people of Edo to come out en masse and exercise their democratic rights.
The Candidate's Commitment: Asue Ighodalo's Pledge
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s governorship candidate, spoke passionately after being presented with the party’s flag. He promised to build on the achievements of the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, and further develop the state if elected. Ighodalo acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in his ability to win.
“All our governors, that is the PDP governors, fight battles to win their elections,” Ighodalo stated. “None of them get it easy to win their elections.” He described the PDP as a party of courage, noting that every victory had been hard-fought, and this election would be no different. “That is the same battle that Osarodion Ogie and I will fight to win the election,” he added, referring to his running mate.
Ighodalo’s speech was a rallying cry for the people of Edo State to stand with the PDP and continue the progress made under Governor Obaseki. He vowed to fight for their votes and ensure that their voices were heard.
The Stakes Are High
The Edo State Governorship election is shaping up to be a critical moment for the PDP and the future of democracy in Nigeria. The party’s leadership has made it clear that they will not back down in the face of intimidation, rigging, or manipulation. Their commitment to defending the integrity of the election reflects broader concerns about the country’s democratic institutions and the need for transparency in the electoral process.
As the people of Edo State prepare to go to the polls, the PDP is calling on voters to remain vigilant and protect their democratic rights. The party’s message is clear: the votes of the people must count, and any attempt to subvert the will of the electorate will be met with firm resistance.
The next few days will be crucial, not only for Edo State but for the entire nation, as the election will serve as a barometer for the health of Nigeria’s democracy. The PDP has made its position known, and the eyes of the country are now on INEC and the security agencies to see if they will uphold their duty to ensure a free, fair, and credible election
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