The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating the recent Edo State governorship election, describing the process as a “rape of democracy.”
At a meeting held on Saturday at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the governors issued a communique condemning INEC’s alleged actions.
According to them, the election was skewed in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite claims that the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, won the majority of lawful votes.
“The forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in the Edo governorship election. It is clear to everyone with conscience that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated results in favor of the APC candidate, when in fact, the majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo,” the governors stated.
They called on the judiciary to “save Nigerian democracy” and urged the National Assembly to amend electoral laws to prevent institutional sabotage in future elections.
The governors emphasized the need for urgent electoral reforms to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy. They also revealed ongoing scrutiny of the Ondo State governorship election, alleging similar irregularities, including vote-buying by the APC.
The forum further criticized the economic hardship Nigerians are facing under the APC-led Federal Government, urging President Bola Tinubu to review current macroeconomic and fiscal policies. “The forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” the communique read.
Addressing internal challenges within the PDP, the governors advised the National Working Committee (NWC) to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting no later than February 2025. This follows the postponement of the previously scheduled November 28, 2024 NEC meeting.
“Between November and February, we will address the existential problems confronting the party, with a deliberate timeline of activities to resolve leadership issues and ongoing litigations,” the forum noted.
The governors reaffirmed their commitment to unity within the PDP and outlined plans to maintain the party’s role as a strong opposition ahead of the 2025 general elections.
The forum extended condolences to Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State over the loss of his wife and sympathized with Plateau and Jigawa States following recent tragedies, including a fire outbreak at Plateau’s Katako Market.
Expressing gratitude to the Plateau State Government for hosting the meeting, the governors commended its achievements in social services, tourism, and transportation. “We commend the government of Plateau State for its visible and laudable transformation in social services, tourism, and transportation,” they said.
The meeting was attended by key party leaders, including members of the PDP’s National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, National Assembly Forum, Former Governors’ Forum, and Former Ministers’ Forum.
