PDP Accuses Presidency of Plotting to Rig Edo Election See Reasons

In a statement issued by Edo State PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, the party claimed that the Presidency has distributed $2 million to influence officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel, and to engage in vote-buying. The PDP also alleged that the funds were given to the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo.

Additionally, the PDP accused the Presidency of instructing the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services to disrupt elections in areas where the PDP has strong support in order to manipulate the outcome for the APC.

The APC responded by dismissing the allegations as groundless, describing them as distractions and part of a smear campaign.

The PDP’s statement also suggested that security forces were ordered to deploy heavily to PDP strongholds, including those of Governor Godwin Obaseki and their candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, with the intention of destabilizing the voting process.

Despite the accusations, the PDP expressed confidence in securing a victory in the election, predicting their candidate would win with at least 70% of the vote. They called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.

Meanwhile, APC National Deputy Organising Secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, countered the PDP’s claims, suggesting that the PDP’s accusations may stem from their own past electoral misconduct when they were in power under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Duru challenged the PDP to provide proof of its allegations.