The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asuerime Ighodalo has reacted to the outcome of the 2024 election held on Saturday, 21st of September says it’s the worst election conducted in the history of our country in Edo State.
I’m pretty disappointed. The day started evenly, and I thought we would have a good, transparent, and effective election. But as the day progressed, it became clear that the elections were not going to be free and fair. I’m very disappointed with how things unfolded in Edo State. Yesterday, we saw moves that blatantly suggested an attempt to manipulate the results. Suddenly, results were announced where the total votes exceeded accredited voters. For instance, in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha, only 156 voters were accredited, but the results declared gave APC 2,110 and PDP 57. This happened in about 50 other units where the votes far outnumbered those accredited.
It’s impossible—if only 100 people are accredited, then you should have 100 or fewer votes. This is preposterous. In all these cases, APC won. It’s clear manipulation, and manipulation only happens with the complicity of INEC. This election may end up being the worst in Nigeria’s history if INEC doesn’t change course. We can’t accept injustice. We’re peace-loving people in PDP—my running mate and I are gentlemen. If the elections were fairly conducted, we would accept the results. But this manipulation is a subversion of the will of Edo people, and it’s unacceptable.
People can’t just use their perceived powers to subvert, intimidate, and punish the people. These actions lead to bigger problems for the country. Those responsible don’t even understand history or love their country. If things go wrong, everyone is affected, including the perpetrators. The governor went to the REC’s office to ask why they stopped the collation of votes. After meeting with the REC and the Deputy Inspector of Police, INEC issued a statement saying they would resume collation at 10 a.m.
The rumor that they forced the governor out is false. Who is the REC compared to a sitting governor? At INEC’s office, it felt like one of APC’s campaign offices. Any claims about forcing the governor out likely came from APC thugs, not security officers. In fact, the security officers were courteous, as confirmed by the governor. Some had even worked directly with him before.
APC has taken over the institutions governing the electoral process, which is sad. The people of Edo State believed they were going through a normal election, not expecting this kind of struggle. They’re hurt and worried that their true intentions are being subverted. But I know the people of Edo—they’re strong, politically aware, and will stand up for themselves. I hope INEC retraces its steps and realizes it cannot be used.
Watch the full interview HERE
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