Fresh Allegations Emerge Over Edo Governorship Election
By Wisdom Tide
September 22, 2024
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) has raised serious concerns regarding alleged plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to disrupt the collation process for the Edo State Governorship election. The PDP claims that the APC is plotting to manipulate the results in favor of its candidate, despite the People's Democratic Party's candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, reportedly leading based on results uploaded from polling units.
PDP Accuses APC of Election Manipulation Tactics
In a statement issued by the PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the party asserted that it had obtained intelligence on the APC’s alleged efforts to halt the collation of results. According to the PDP, the APC is pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State to suspend the collation process.
The party suggests that the APC aims to use the pause in the process to alter the already uploaded results on the INEC portal, replacing them with manipulated figures.
Allegations of Armed Thugs and Military Withdrawal
In addition to claims of result manipulation, the PDP further alleges that the APC is attempting to enlist the support of the military to withdraw troops from strategic positions. The PDP argues that such a withdrawal would pave the way for APC-aligned thugs to infiltrate the collation centers, thereby facilitating the disruption of the process.
These concerns have prompted the PDP to issue a strong warning to INEC, the APC, and other stakeholders involved in the election process.
Warnings from the PDP on Potential Consequences
In its statement, the PDP warned both the APC and INEC to respect the will of the people, cautioning that any attempt to alter the results of the election could lead to widespread unrest. The party referenced a similar incident in the 2023 Adamawa State Governorship election, where an attempt to manipulate the outcome almost led to the deaths of some electoral officials.
“The PDP in very strong terms cautions INEC and the APC to note that the people of Edo State already have authentic results from the polling units across the state and that any attempt by anybody or group whatsoever to alter the results will inflame the already charged situation with very severe consequences on perpetrators,” the statement read.
The PDP also made it clear that the citizens of Edo State are prepared to defend their votes through lawful means, including what they termed "legitimate physical confrontation," if necessary.
Calls for Vigilance and Praise for the Military
The PDP has called on the people of Edo State to remain vigilant and to stay at the collation centers to ensure that the integrity of the election results is upheld. The party emphasized the need for citizens to continue monitoring the process to prevent any form of manipulation.
In its statement, the PDP also commended the military for their professionalism thus far in the election. The party called on the Military High Command to resist any pressure from political actors to abandon their posts, stressing the importance of maintaining order during this critical phase of the election.
Conclusion
The PDP’s latest statement underscores the tension surrounding the collation of results in the Edo State Governorship election. With allegations of result manipulation, the use of armed thugs, and potential military involvement, the political landscape remains highly charged. As the process continues, the party has urged all stakeholders to uphold the democratic will of the people and avoid actions that could lead to conflict
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