Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
The fourth meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, held at the Government House in Jalingo, Taraba State, brought to the forefront the pressing concerns surrounding the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Chaired by the Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed, the gathering featured discussions on critical political developments affecting the party, with the Edo State election being a key point of focus.
In its communique made available to Truth Live News, the Forum took a strong stance against what it described as growing attempts to manipulate the electoral process. The PDP governors condemned recent statements allegedly made by President Muhammadu Buhari, which suggested a bias toward his party in the upcoming election. They further raised alarms over reports that PDP supporters in Edo State are facing intimidation from the Nigerian Police, a tactic the governors decried as an attempt to tilt the election outcome.
The Forum made a passionate call to the Inspector General of Police, urging him to ensure that law enforcement officers remain neutral in their duties. According to the governors, the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State hinges on the neutrality of the police and other security agencies. The PDP governors warned that any form of bias or partiality could jeopardize the credibility of the election, undermining democratic principles and disenfranchising the electorate.
Additionally, the Forum addressed concerns regarding the management of the state congresses in Rivers State but underscored the significance of ensuring a level playing field in Edo State as an indicator of national democratic health. The governors also criticized the use of court judgments to influence outcomes, further stressing the need for fairness and due process in both state-level and national elections.
The PDP Governors Forum’s communique signals a clear intent to defend democratic values in the lead-up to the Edo State election. Their resolutions emphasize a commitment to ensuring that every eligible voter can participate freely and fairly, without fear or coercion. The Forum’s criticism of any external interference reflects the party’s readiness to stand against what they view as undue federal influence.
In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the need for greater transparency and fairness in the upcoming election, sending a message of vigilance and resolve from the PDP governors. As the governorship race in Edo State intensifies, the Forum’s stance sets the tone for what is shaping up to be a closely watched and potentially contentious election.