The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rejected the results of the recently concluded Edo State governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared on Sunday that the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious with 291,667 votes, while the PDP secured 247,274 votes, and the Labour Party garnered 22,763 votes.
In a statement released on Monday by Ayo Fadaka, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Ondo PDP Campaign Organisation, the party condemned the election outcome, describing it as a grave assault on democracy in Nigeria.
“The results of the Edo State Governorship Election are nothing short of a blatant attack on the democratic process in Nigeria. This is yet another instance of disregarding the will of the people, as expressed at the polls,” the statement reads in part.
The PDP maintained that Nigerians are well aware of the true outcome, insisting that the party was the rightful winner. The statement went on to criticize INEC for allegedly violating electoral procedures by moving vote collation from the designated local government centres to the commission’s headquarters in Benin, an action the PDP claimed was illegal.
Fadaka further criticized the conduct of the election, stating, “We have taken note of the gross irregularities committed by the agencies responsible for ensuring a fair and transparent election. Their failure to act impartially is a disgrace to Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.”
He reiterated the Ondo PDP’s determination to defend the votes in the forthcoming election, vowing that no attempts to manipulate the electoral process would be tolerated.
“We must emphasize that Ondo is not Edo. Our resolve, temperament, and commitment are different. Here, we will vote, and we will safeguard our votes. We are fully prepared to ensure that the people’s will is respected,” the statement asserted.
The PDP also announced its plans to protest against the APC and what it described as a government that has institutionalized hardship and poverty. The party revealed that a demonstration is scheduled for November 16, ahead of the Ondo State election.
The statement concluded with a stern warning to those contemplating any form of electoral malpractice: “Let it be clear—any attempt to tamper with the votes in Ondo will be met with serious consequences.”
