The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced its decision to challenge the outcome of the recent Edo State governorship election in court, citing irregularities and a compromised electoral process.
Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, affirmed that the PDP is committed to upholding the rule of law and is currently reviewing the election documents before taking legal action.
“We are a party of law and order. We believe in the rule of law, and we don’t resort to self-help like the APC does. They have compromised institutions of elections — INEC and the police. But we believe that ultimately, the will of the people will prevail,” Ologunagba stated.
According to Ologunagba, the party’s legal team and officials are meticulously examining the election results.
He assured that the PDP’s position would soon be made public and reflected in the party’s legal actions.
“Our team of lawyers and party officials are reviewing the results, and I am sure in the next couple of days, you will see the position of the party, which will be reflected in the actions we take,” he said.
Ologunagba expressed concern about the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he accused of failing to maintain independence.
He emphasised that for democracy to thrive, Nigeria needs strong, independent institutions, drawing a comparison to the United States’ robust democratic systems.
“INEC is supposedly independent, but it has corrupted itself by refusing to follow its own rules. The challenges of our democracy lie in the weakness of our institutions,” he remarked.
He added that despite frustrations, the PDP remains committed to the legal process, trusting that the rule of law will ultimately prevail.
The PDP maintains that its candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, won the election based on the results from polling units across the state.
Ologunagba noted that the party has gathered evidence to support its claim and will pursue justice through lawful channels.
“We have all the results from the units, and it is clear that we won that election. We are confident in the rule of law and will take appropriate steps to ensure that democracy is not undermined,” he reiterated.
The PDP is expected to file its case in the coming days, as it seeks to overturn the election results and assert what it calls “the true will of the people” in Edo State.
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