Edo Polls: Tensions Rise as PDP Accuses INEC of Favoring APC

The Edo State governorship election is heating up, and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is standing firm behind its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. The party claims Ighodalo won the election, based on the results gathered by its polling agents across the state, which were also verified by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Chairman of the Edo PDP National Campaign Council .

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed concerns over the Edo State governorship election results, alleging a sinister plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the outcome. Despite these claims, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC has been declared the winner, with 291,667 votes, beating Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who secured 247,655 votes .

read aslo: INEC Declares APC's Candidate Winner of Edo Governorship Election

Key Election Results:

- Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC): 291,667 votes

- Dr. Asue Ighodalo (PDP): 247,655 votes

- Olumide Akpata (Labour Party): 22,763 votes 

The PDP warns that any attempt to announce or declare results that don't reflect the people's will would lead to a huge crisis in the state, as Edo residents won't allow their mandate to be stolen . They caution INEC to remember the violent protests that occurred in Adamawa State during the 2023 governorship election, which almost resulted in the death of some INEC officials .

The accusations come amidst allegations that INEC altered results to favor the APC. This development has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State. Ighodalo's protest is likely aimed at pressuring INEC to address these concerns and ensure a free and fair election.

- PDP Backs Ighodalo: The party insists its candidate won the election based on polling agent results.

- Court Confirmation: Appeal Court confirms Ighodalo as duly nominated PDP candidate.

- Alleged Manipulation: PDP accuses APC of colluding with INEC and security officials to alter results.

- Social Media Reaction: Many express concerns and opinions on the situation.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki recently held a four-hour closed-door meeting with top INEC officials and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba, who's overseeing the election's security. This meeting took place amid protests and escalating tensions in the state.

As the governor of Edo State since 2016, Obaseki has been no stranger to controversy . His meeting with INEC officials and police leadership likely aimed to address concerns about the election's integrity and potential violence. Given his past experiences, including a contentious re-election campaign in 2020, Obaseki likely understands the importance of ensuring a peaceful and fair electoral process.

It's worth noting that the election controversy in Edo State has drawn attention from various stakeholders, including the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), which has urged citizens to vote their conscience and be guided by their values . The outcome of Ighodalo's protest and the subsequent actions of INEC will be crucial in determining the credibility of the election.

Tensions are running high in Edo State after the collation of results for Oredo Local Government was suddenly moved to the INEC state headquarters due to concerns about potential violence. The local collation officer raised the alarm, prompting the relocation. However, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the PDP's governorship candidate, and his party are crying foul, suspecting that the move is part of a larger scheme to undermine the election's integrity .

It's worth noting that INEC has been proactive in addressing security concerns and ensuring the smooth conduct of elections. The commission has published the final list of candidates for the elections in Edo and Ondo States and has been working closely with security agencies to prevent disruptions .

Let's keep an eye on how this situation unfolds and hope that INEC's efforts will lead to a peaceful and fair election.