INEC Under Fire As PDP Disputes Edo Election Results, Demands Recount Amid Alleged Vote Tampering

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly rejected the announcement of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the Edo State Governorship election. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News recalls that the National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the results late Sunday night, which has since then ignited widespread condemnation,  criticism and rejection by the opposition parties.

INEC’s official results showed Okpebholo securing 291,667 votes, surpassing PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes. 

Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, came in third with 22,763 votes. Of the 18 Local Government areas in the State, the APC claimed victory in 10, while the PDP won in eight. 

However, the PDP insists that their candidate, Ighodalo, was the rightful winner of the election.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who led the PDP’s National Campaign Council for the Edo election, condemned the election results, accusing INEC of violating electoral laws. 

Fintiri stated that the INEC must be held accountable for this breach of the Electoral Act, alleging that the collation process was manipulated.

As further gathered by OTN News, in a separate statement, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, supported Fintiri’s claims, stating, "The PDP stands by the results collected by its agents across the State, which clearly indicate that our candidate, Dr. Ighodalo, won the election." 

The PDP further accused the APC of colluding with INEC officials and security personnel to manipulate the outcome of the election.

Ologunagba also addressed the backlash against Governor Fintiri by the APC, stating that their attacks were an attempt to divert attention from the alleged manipulation. 

Meanwhile, the PDP Governors Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, called on INEC to respect the integrity of the election and reflect the genuine will of the people. 

The forum warned that any attempt to undermine the democratic process could lead to serious consequences, especially during a time when the country is grappling with economic and security challenges. 

At the INEC collation center, PDP state agent, Iyoha Osaigbovo expressed dissatisfaction with the results, accusing the APC of fabricating figures to favor their candidate. 

On the other hand, acting chairman of the APC in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, dismissed the PDP’s claims, expressing confidence in the results and crediting the victory to the APC's stronghold in Edo North. 

The Labour Party has yet to make a formal statement, with its Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, stating that the party is still reviewing the election results. 

However, Uruopa criticized the election process, citing reports of voter inducement and other irregularities. 

The controversy surrounding the Edo State Governorship election continues to grow, with the PDP vowing to challenge the results and demand a recount to reflect what they believe is the true will of the people.