The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially rejected the results of the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The party's rejection stems from alleged irregularities and breaches of electoral processes in the collation of results across several local government areas.
During a press conference held in Benin City, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the State Chairman of the PDP, asserted that the results declared by INEC do not accurately reflect the will of the electorate. He emphasized that discrepancies were particularly evident in three local governments: Akoko Edo, Egor, and Etsako West. Aziegbemi accused INEC of inflating votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) while deducting votes for the PDP.
“The entries made by INEC electoral officers differ significantly from what was uploaded on the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), leading to unjust inflation of APC votes and deductions from PDP votes,” Aziegbemi stated. He called for an immediate re-collation and recomputation of results in compliance with INEC guidelines.
The PDP's candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, reportedly secured 247,274 votes compared to APC's Monday Okpebholo, who was declared the winner with 291,667 votes. However, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State and chairman of the PDP campaign council for Edo has stated that Ighodalo was the rightful winner based on results gathered from polling units across the state.
In light of these allegations, PDP officials have submitted a formal petition to INEC demanding a thorough investigation into the conduct of the election. They have also called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what they describe as a manipulation of democratic processes.
PDP supporters have taken to the streets in protest against what they perceive as electoral malpractice. Demonstrators gathered at INEC's state headquarters, chanting slogans and demanding justice for what they believe are tampered results that do not reflect their votes.
The party has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the true outcome of the election is recognized and upheld. “We will not allow anyone to tamper with the wish of Edo people,” said one protester.
As tensions rise over this contentious election outcome, the PDP insists on accountability from INEC and urges all stakeholders to respect democratic principles.