Osamagbe Imadiyi.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing anomalies and a tainted electoral process, has declared its intention to contest the results of the most recent Edo State governorship election in court. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, told reporters on Sunday that the party is committed to upholding the rule of law and is currently reviewing election documents before taking legal action.
“We are the party of law and order. We believe in the rule of law and do not rely on self-help like the APC does. They have compromised institutions of elections — INEC and the police. But we believe that ultimately, the will of the people will prevail,” Ologunagba stated.
Ologunagba claims that officials and the party’s legal team are carefully examining the election results. He promised that the PDP’s stance would shortly be released and would be represented in the party’s legal proceedings. “Our team of lawyers and party officials are reviewing the results, and I am sure in the next couple of days, you will see the position of the party, which will be reflected in the actions we take,” he said.
Ologunagba raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions and specifically pointed the finger at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of failing to uphold independence. He drew a comparison between the robust democratic systems in the United States and emphasized that strong, independent institutions are necessary for democracy to flourish in Nigeria. “INEC is supposed to be independent, but by disobeying its own regulations, it has corrupted itself. The fragility of our institutions is the root of our democracy’s problems, the speaker said.
According to PDP claims, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, its candidate, emerged victorious from the polls conducted in every state polling unit. Ologunagba stated that the party will seek justice through legal means and has gathered evidence to back up its claims. “We have all the results from the units, and it is clear that we won that election. We are confident in the rule of law and will take appropriate steps to ensure that democracy is not undermined,” he reiterated.
In an effort to overturn the election results and declare what it refers to as “the true will of the people” in Edo State, the PDP is anticipated to file its case in the coming days.