The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum (PDP-GF) has accused the independent National Electoral Commission, ( INEC ) of manipulating the recent Edo State Election in favour of the All Progressive Congress (APC) .
The Governors disclosed this during its meeting in Plateau
Government House in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, called for urgent reforms to sanitize the electoral process.
The governors tasked the judiciary to protect Nigerian democracy, calling for legal interventions to reverse any electoral outcomes that were the result of “institutional sabotage.”
Also called on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s electoral laws to prevent such manipulation in the future, urging a reform of the electoral system to ensure that the will of the people is upheld.
In a communique issued after the meeting, the Governors condemned the manipulation of the Governorship election in Edo State.
“The forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with the conscience that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact the majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo,” the PDP governors said.
“The forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people,” the communique added.
The governors are still examining the documents in the Ondo governorship election “where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes.”
The forum expressed deep concerns about what it described as “seeming divisions” within the party.Promised unity and cohesion within the PDP, stating its determination to uphold the party’s role as the best platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.
The governors also acknowledged the internal challenges faced by the party, including leadership disputes and ongoing litigations.
The PDP governors agreed to postpone the NEC meeting, originally scheduled for the same date, in solidarity with their colleague who recently lost his wife
“Between November and February, we will address the existential problems confronting the party, with a deliberate timeline of activities to resolve leadership issues and ongoing litigations,”
“The forum empathises with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” the communiqué read. “We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review these policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and to provide hope for a better future.”
The governors promised to continue implementing policies that would help alleviate economic hardship and promote national progress.
They also expressed gratitude to the government and people of Plateau State for hosting the meeting, highlighting the state’s visible progress in areas such as social services, tourism, and transportation.
“We commend the government of Plateau State for its visible and laudable transformation in social services, tourism, and transportation,” the statement said. “We believe this progress gives Nigerians hope for a brighter future under the leadership of the PDP after 2027.”
The forum expressed empathy for Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State, who had recently lost his wife, extending its condolences to him and his family, praying for strength and fortitude during this difficult time.
The forum also extended its condolences to Plateau and Jigawa States over recent tragedies.
The PDP governors expressed their sympathies for the devastating fire at the Katako Market in Plateau State, which destroyed millions of naira worth of property.
Cr- Tribune