Presidency Denies Plan To Rig Edo Governorship Election

The Presidency has vehemently rejected allegations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of attempting to manipulate the upcoming Edo State governorship election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Saturday, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, PDP Chairman in Edo State, accused the Presidency of orchestrating a scheme to use state resources to support Senator Monday Okpebholo and the APC.

The PDP alleged that the National Security Adviser (NSA), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, was tasked with executing this plan.

However, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, dismissed these claims as unfounded and baseless.

Ajayi emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to democratic principles and affirmed that the Presidency would not engage in any actions that undermine the electoral process.

Ajayi further accused the PDP of fabricating excuses in anticipation of an electoral defeat, asserting that the party’s leadership has abandoned their efforts.

He reassured the public that institutions such as the DSS and NSA are focused on safeguarding national security and democratic integrity, rather than disrupting the electoral process.

The Presidency’s response highlights a firm stance against allegations of election interference, positioning itself as a defender of democratic values amid the heated political climate.

The statement reads, “It is a silly and ridiculous claim coming from Edo State PDP and the PDP as a whole. There is no truth in such a claim. The Presidency and President Tinubu will not undermine democracy and the democratic process. President Tinubu is an avowed democrat.

“His party has won elections states and has lost elections, too. He won’t lend his presidency to any illegality and anything that will compromise the integrity of our elections. It is obvious the ship of PDP in Edo State is sinking just like it sank in national elections.

“The PDP is just preparing ground and perfect alibi for the failure that is bound to be its lot in the upcoming election in Edo State. The State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the candidate in the election both know they will suffer huge defeat.

“It is important to even ask which PDP is talking in Edo State because the real Edo PDP leaders who control the soul and the body of the party have since abandoned the party for the APC. What is remaining is a carcass that Governor Obaseki is merely using as his Special Purpose Vehicle.

“They shambolic party in Edo is only crying wolf where there is none to cover its ill-preparation and coming defeat in the election. The DSS and NSA work for the security of the country and the preservation of every part of the country.

“Such important institutions of state can never work for the subversion of the electoral process and democracy under any guise.”