• INEC dismisses claims as “media trial,” urges focus on court proceedings.
• APC accuses PDP of inciting public sentiment, calls for legality over emotions.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of tampering with the results of the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC).

INEC declared APC’s Monday Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, ahead of PDP’s Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,761 votes.

In a communique released after a two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the PDP governors alleged widespread irregularities and called for urgent electoral reforms to prevent “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.” They also accused the APC of vote-buying in the Ondo State election.

“The forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo. INEC manipulated results in favor of the APC candidate when the majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP’s Ighodalo,” the communique read.

The forum urged the judiciary and lawmakers to strengthen electoral laws and ensure transparency.

INEC and APC Fire Back

Responding to the allegations, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the claims as baseless and inappropriate.

“As a law-abiding institution, INEC cannot comment on matters before the court. It is sub judice. The PDP should present its evidence at the tribunal instead of engaging in a media trial,” Oyekanmi said.

On the Ondo election, Oyekanmi described it as one of INEC’s most commendable outings, acknowledging minor imperfections but affirming the commission’s integrity.

The APC also criticized the PDP for bypassing legal channels. APC National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, accused the PDP of inciting public sentiment.

“Why is the PDP avoiding the constitutional court and resorting to the court of public opinion? Such actions risk undermining public trust and could incite civil disobedience,” Ibrahim stated.

Ibrahim further questioned the PDP’s refusal to sign a pre-election peace accord, suggesting ulterior motives. “They need to embrace legality over emotions. We hope they rethink their approach,” he added.

Call for Electoral Reforms

The dispute underscores the urgency of electoral reforms to bolster transparency and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Both sides have urged adherence to the rule of law as the case proceeds in court.