Edo guber poll, ‘rape on democracy’ – PDP governors

The Peoples Democratic Party Executives Forum (PDP-GF) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating the recent Edo State governorship election, describing it as a “rape on democracy”.

In a meeting held at the Plateau State Government House in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday and chaired by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, governors issued a resolution calling for urgent reforms to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process in Nigeria.

The meeting was attended by dignitaries from across the party, including the National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees (BOT), National Assembly Forum, Former Governors Forum, Former Ministers Forum and other prominent party members. leaders.

In a statement issued after the meeting, they strongly condemned the alleged Edo election manipulation in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo winning the majority of legal votes.

The governors called on the judiciary to act decisively to protect Nigerian democracy and called for legal interventions to reverse the election results that were the result of “institutional sabotage.”

They also called on the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s electoral laws to prevent such manipulations in the future and called for reform of the electoral system to ensure that the will of the people is upheld.

“The Forum notes with concern the encroachment on democracy in the Edo Governorship election. “It is clear to anyone with a conscience that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated the results in favor of the APC candidate even though the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, won the majority of the legal votes,” the PDP executives said.

“The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to examine our election laws to make it harder for the will of the people to be institutionally sabotaged,” the statement said.

It was revealed that the governors were still examining documents relating to the Ondo Elections governorship election in which “APC manipulated the results after openly buying votes”.

The forum expressed deep concern about what it described as “apparent divisions” within the party.

He, however, reaffirmed his resolve to maintain unity and harmony within the PDP, stating that the party is determined to continue its role as the best platform for democratic governance in Nigeria.

The governors also acknowledged internal challenges facing the party, including leadership disputes and ongoing litigation.

PDP governors, in solidarity with their colleagues who recently lost their spouses, agreed to postpone the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting originally scheduled to be held on the same date.

The forum recommended that the NWC convene the NEC in the first week of February 2025, following consultations with key stakeholders. The decision was taken to address the party’s existential issues and ensure that the party forms a united front heading into the 2025 general elections.

“Between November and February, we will address the existential issues facing the Party with a deliberate timeline of activities to resolve leadership issues and ongoing litigation,” the forum said.

PDP governors also expressed grave concern over the economic challenges currently faced by Nigerians, attributing this to the policies of the APC-led federal government.

The forum called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review macroeconomic and fiscal policies for the well-being and well-being of Nigerians.

“The Forum empathizes with Nigerians groaning under the oppressive economic challenges imposed on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government,” the statement said. “We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently review these policies to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and provide hope for a better future.”

Despite the challenges facing Nigeria, the Forum reaffirmed PDP’s commitment to the development of the country.

Governors have vowed to continue implementing policies that will help alleviate economic hardship and promote national progress.

They also expressed their gratitude to the government and people of Plateau State for hosting the meeting, emphasizing that the state has made visible progress in areas such as social services, tourism and transportation.

“We commend the Plateau State Government for its visible and commendable transformation in social services, tourism and transport,” the statement said. “We believe this progress gives Nigerians hope for a brighter future under the leadership of PDP after 2027.”

The forum expressed empathy for the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Eno Bassey, who recently lost his wife, expressed condolences to him and his family and prayed for strength and fortitude during this difficult time.

The forum also expressed its condolences to Plateau and Jigawa States over the recent tragedies.

PDP governors have expressed sorrow over the devastating fire at Katako Market in Plateau which destroyed property worth millions of Naira.

PDP governors commiserated with Jigawa State following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed many lives and injured many others.

TO READ MORE FROM: NIGERIA TRIBUNE

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