Darlington Okpebholo Ray, Reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a press briefing held today at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in Edo State, the party condemned what it described as the “theft” of the people’s mandate following the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.
Addressing journalists, PDP representatives expressed their gratitude to Edolites for their support, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the electoral process despite the “spectacular performance” of incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The PDP, in statement signed by the chairman of the Edo State chapter, Dr Tony Aziegbemi claimed that, despite military presence and financial inducements by the APC, voters bravely cast their ballots for the PDP. However, they alleged that the results were tampered with, and the true will of the people was disregarded.
“We are here to let you know that your vote will eventually count,” a party spokesperson declared. “You stared at the barrel of the gun, took their money, and still voted for the PDP. Yet, your votes were discarded. But be assured that this will not be the end. We will stand with you all the way.”
The PDP announced that it had filed a petition with the Election Tribunal, vowing to reclaim what it believes is its rightful victory through legal channels. “By the grace of God, your mandate will be returned,” the spokesperson said confidently.
Addressing allegations that the PDP was involved in disrupting the inspection of electoral materials at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, the party denied any wrongdoing. According to the PDP, it had received a court order to inspect the materials and would have no interest in disrupting the process.
The party went further to claim that it had uncovered plans by the APC to burn down the INEC office in a bid to destroy vital electoral materials. The PDP said it had already alerted security agencies to this “devilish plan.”
The PDP also criticized INEC, accusing the electoral body of attempting to deny the party full access to certified copies of electoral materials, which the PDP believes are crucial to its legal battle. Despite these challenges, the party assured its supporters that it had “done the needful” to ensure justice is served.
Furthermore, the PDP accused the police of arresting its members on false charges, including the alleged killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Akor. The party claimed that more arrests had been made after the election in what it described as a biased move under a compromised Inspector General of Police (IGP), whom they labeled as the “armed wing of the APC.” The PDP further alleged that the police had extorted over N64 million from its members before releasing them.
The PDP called on Edolites to remain vigilant and assured them that the party would pursue all legal avenues to ensure that the people’s mandate is restored.