Edo 2024: “Silly claim” – Presidency slams PDP over allegations of election interference

The presidency has vehemently denied allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, accusing it of plotting to interfere in the upcoming governorship election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Saturday, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP, claimed that the Presidency was using state machinery to bolster APC’s chances, specifically through the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Senator Monday Okpebholo, and key security agencies like the Department of State Services (DSS).

Aziegbemi’s statement alleged that the NSA had been tasked with coordinating a scheme involving government resources and security agencies to ensure APC’s victory in the polls scheduled for next Saturday.

However, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, strongly refuted the claims.

In his response, Ajayi labelled the accusations as “baseless and unfounded.”

He said: “There is no truth to such claims. President Tinubu is an avowed democrat who has both won and lost elections. He will not undermine democracy or compromise the integrity of our elections in any way.”

Ajayi further accused the PDP of laying the groundwork for an excuse ahead of its expected loss in Edo, arguing that the party’s leadership had already abandoned ship.

He described the PDP’s allegations as a “desperate” attempt to deflect from its lack of preparation for the election.

“The ship of the PDP in Edo is sinking just as it did in the national elections. Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP candidate are fully aware of the impending defeat,” he stated.

Ajayi also dismissed the notion that national institutions such as the DSS and the NSA could be used for political manipulation.

He assured that the federal government’s primary concern is maintaining peace and stability, not subverting elections.

“The DSS and NSA exist to protect the country, not interfere in its democratic processes.

“Edo PDP’s claims are nothing more than attempts to cover its poor preparation and looming failure,” Ajayi added.