INEC tackles PDP govs over accusation of manipulating Edo, Ondo gov elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday, replied to the accusation by governors elected on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the commission manipulated the governorship elections held recently in Ondo and Edo states.

Speaking through Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, commission described the allegations as “unfortunate and inappropriate.”

However, Oyekanmi said the commission, as a law-abiding body, could not comment on ongoing court matters in respect of the polls.

Last Saturday, the PDP governors, who met for two days in Jos, the Plateau State capital, alleged that irregularities prevented the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, from winning in Edo.

The PDP governors also accused INEC of rigging in the recent Ondo election.

They alleged that the commission altered results to benefit the APC and urged the judiciary and lawmakers to enhance electoral laws to combat what they referred to as “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”

Oyekanmi criticised the PDP governors for engaging in a “media trial,” urging them to present their evidence in court instead of making wild allegations in the public.

He noted that the PDP has filed a petition at the tribunal to contest the Edo election results, suggesting they should provide their evidence there.

Speaking on the Ondo election, Oyekanmi defended the performance of the commission, describing it as  one of the best elections conducted by the INEC.

He urged political parties to adopt a spirit of sportsmanship, stating, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win.”

The commission had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Edo election with 291,667 votes, with the PDP candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, securing 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,761 votes.

Similarly, in Ondo, INEC declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the governorship election that was held on November 14 defeating PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, and Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party.

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