PDP Governors Decry Alleged Manipulation in Edo and Ondo Elections, Demand Judicial Intervention

Governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have criticized the conduct of the recent Edo State governorship election, describing it as a “blatant assault on democracy.” The PDP Governors Forum expressed their concerns during an extraordinary session held on Saturday in Jos, Plateau State.

The governors also raised issues about the Ondo State election, alleging irregularities and vote-buying by the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to the Forum, they are still reviewing election-related documents from Ondo to gather more evidence.

In a statement released after the meeting, the Forum said:

“The Forum notes with concern the assault on democracy in the Edo governorship election. It is evident to all fair-minded observers that INEC manipulated the results to favor the APC candidate, despite the fact that the majority of lawful votes were cast for the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.”

“Meanwhile, we are still reviewing the documents from the Ondo elections, where the APC openly bought votes and manipulated the results.”

The governors urged the judiciary to intervene to safeguard Nigerian democracy and called on the National Assembly to amend electoral laws to prevent institutional interference with the will of the people.

The Forum also issued a deadline to the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), asking it to convene a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting by February 2025 to address critical party matters.

Among those present at the meeting were Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Additionally, Deputy Governors Monday Onyeme (Delta) and Ifeanyi Ossai (Enugu) also attended.