The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has responded strongly to allegations made by governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about alleged rigging in the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
The PDP governors, during a two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, claimed that electoral malpractice robbed their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, of victory in Edo State.
They also accused INEC of manipulating results in the recent Ondo governorship election.
The governors alleged that INEC altered results to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”
The governors called on the judiciary and lawmakers to strengthen electoral laws to curb what they referred to as persistent irregularities.
In a swift response, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the accusations as “unfortunate and inappropriate.”
He criticized the PDP governors for engaging in what he termed a “media trial” instead of presenting their claims in court.
“INEC is a law-abiding body and cannot comment on matters before the court,” Oyekanmi stated.
He further added that the PDP had already filed a petition at the tribunal regarding the Edo election.
“If they have evidence, they should present it there,” he said.
Oyekanmi described the Ondo election as one of INEC’s best-conducted polls, refuting claims of manipulation.
He urged political parties to adopt a spirit of sportsmanship.
“It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win,” he said.
The Edo State governorship election, held earlier this year, was a fiercely contested race.
INEC declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner with 291,667 votes.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP came second with 247,274 votes, while Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata secured 22,761 votes.
In Ondo State, APC candidate Lucky Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the November 14 governorship election.
He defeated PDP’s Agboola Ajayi and Labour Party’s Olorunfemi Festus.
The PDP governors, however, remain adamant in their claims of irregularities.
They have vowed to pursue legal avenues to challenge the results.
One of the PDP governors, who spoke anonymously, said, “The will of the people has been subverted. INEC must be held accountable for its actions.”
INEC, on its part, has maintained that its processes were transparent and credible.
The Commission urged political stakeholders to respect the rule of law and allow the judiciary to adjudicate disputes without undue influence.
Election controversies have long been a source of tension in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Observers argue that the credibility of electoral bodies and processes is crucial for the nation’s democracy.
Speaking on the matter, political analyst Dr. Peter Agbaje said, “The PDP’s allegations highlight a recurring issue in Nigeria’s elections—distrust in the process. This distrust must be addressed to ensure stability.”
Meanwhile, citizens have expressed mixed reactions to the unfolding drama.