The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fired back at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors over allegations of manipulating the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024.
Recall that the governors, during a two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, insisted electoral irregularities denied its candidate victory in Edo and alleged vote-buying in the just-concuded election in Ondo.
The PDP governors alleged that INEC tampered with results to favour the APC during the Edo governorship election. They called on the judiciary and lawmakers to strengthen electoral laws to prevent what they termed “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”
But reacting to the accusations, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, described the claims as “unfortunate and inappropriate.” He stated that as a law-abiding organisation, INEC cannot comment on a matter that is before the court.
Oyekanmi criticised the PDP governors for pursuing what he called a “media trial,” urging the party to present its evidence in court rather than raising unsubstantiated claims in public.
He noted that the PDP had filed a petition at the tribunal to challenge the result of the Edo State governorship election, and therefore, should tender its evidence in court to prove the allegations rather than embarking on a media trial.
Addressing claims regarding the Ondo State election, Oyekanmi defended INEC’s performance, describing it as one of the best elections conducted by the commission. He urged political parties to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, saying, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win.”
It can be recalled that the electoral body in October declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election with 291,667 votes, while the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, secured 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,761 votes.