PDP Governors’ Forum Rejects Edo Guber Results

The governors on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have rejected the results the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has declared in the governorship election held on Saturday in Edo State.

The PDP warned INEC to respect the will of the people even as it warned the country cannot afford to sink into another round of political crisis in the face of economic hardship and challenges facing the country.

A statement on Sunday by the PDP Governors’ Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, said it had “no doubt that given the laudable achievements of the exiting governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the qualities of our governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the enlightened Edo electorate would have had no difficulty in making the right choice, particularly given the hardship that the APC Administration is spreading nationwide.”

It noted “with immense pride and satisfaction, the role being played by the PDP Governors, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas of Taraba State and Hon. Sherif Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, who have painstakingly monitored the exercise in accordance with the law and guided the electorate to remain calm and law abiding throughout the entire process.”

The PDP governors said it is satisfied that “Fintiri simply stated the results of a few local government areas as were already collated and captured on the INEC IREV portal, with a view to forestalling any manipulation by unscrupulous elements and, ultimately, averting a situation that could throw the exercise into disrepute and the nation into political jeopardy.

“Therefore, the public is advised to disregard the mischievous accusation by the APC that anyone usurped INEC’s responsibility, let alone distinguished Nigerians who are governors in their respective states.”

The forum said as the process runs its course, reminded “INEC of the need to live up to the oath of office of the Commission’s principal officers and the expectations of the people, to serve as an impartial umpire committed to deepening our multi party democracy and the survival of our country.

“As the country perches on the horns of grave economic and security challenges, it is our expectation that INEC and everyone involved in the Edo Governorship Elections will respect the sovereign wishes of the people of Edo State and spare the nation the unpredictable consequences of a disputed result at this time.

“This becomes more imperative, especially in the face of the threat to democracy by the total state capture inclination of the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress, APC government.

“The PDPGF unequivocally reiterates its commitment to democratic best practices, and the peace and stability of a united Nigeria in which the citizens are not only spared the contrived ordeal of the moment but, more importantly, provided alternative opportunities to realise their legitimate dreams,” the PDP governors said in the statement.

The party said it looks “forward to the announcement of a result that truly represents the wishes of the Edo people as freely expressed through their votes” on Saturday instead of accepting the results INEC had already declared.

The forum said it stands “with our Governors, Fintiri, Diri, Agbu Kefas and Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba and Delta States respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, with respect to maintaining the sanctity of the elections.”