The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally rejected the results of the recent Edo State Governorship election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed his party’s dissatisfaction with the outcome, asserting that the people of Edo State rightfully voted for the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and expect him to be announced as the governor-elect.
Damagum urged INEC to utilize the provisions available within the Electoral Act to rectify what he termed a flawed process.
He charged the electoral body to take corrective action, stating, “INEC must retrace its steps and ensure that the will of the people is honored.”
The PDP leader further alleged that there had been prior warnings regarding plans by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in collaboration with a “compromised INEC” and the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the zone, to manipulate the electoral process.
Naija News had earlier reported that the APC candidate, Monday Okpebholo secured a total of 291,667 votes. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,655 votes.
Olumide Akpata, representing the Labour Party (LP), finished third, receiving a total of 22,763 votes.