The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Governor-select Monday Okpebholo, accusing him of attempting to divert public attention from alleged electoral malpractices that tainted the September 21 governorship election in the state. In a statement released by the Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the party described the actions and statements of Okpebholo and his team as a deliberate attempt to cover up what they claim was a “systematic and orchestrated rigging” of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The statement specifically addressed remarks made by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor-select, whom the PDP accused of making “absurd and disappointing” claims in an effort to discredit an independent analysis conducted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership. The PDP highlighted that the Athena Centre, a non-partisan research institution, had based its findings on hard evidence, including documents and data obtained directly from INEC, which purportedly revealed widespread manipulation of the electoral process.
PDP Highlights Alleged Electoral Fraud
According to the PDP, the analysis by the Athena Centre showed that the election was marred by irregularities that benefitted the APC, calling into question the credibility of the results. The party described the alleged manipulation as “daylight robbery,” accusing INEC and the APC of orchestrating the fraudulent practices that led to Okpebholo’s selection as governor.
The PDP asserted that the election was neither free nor fair, and they dismissed Okpebholo’s claims of legitimacy. “The data provided by INEC, when carefully analyzed, paints a clear picture of a compromised electoral process,” the statement read. “Rather than being duly elected by the people of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo has been installed through a backdoor process that has deeply undermined the principles of democracy.”
The opposition party went on to criticize Okpebholo’s media team for their handling of the situation, accusing them of engaging in baseless attacks on critics while failing to address the substantive issues raised by the independent analysis. “Their tactics of name-calling, intimidation, and deflection only expose their fear of the truth,” the PDP stated.
APC Accused of Intimidation and Distraction
The PDP also alleged that the APC and its allies in government have resorted to threats and intimidation as a way of silencing dissent and discouraging independent scrutiny of the election. According to the PDP, civil servants, political opponents, and members of the public who have voiced concerns about the election’s credibility have faced undue harassment.
“We are witnessing a dangerous trend where public servants and ordinary citizens are being intimidated for expressing their opinions or questioning the outcome of the election,” the PDP said. “This is not only an affront to democracy but also a clear indication of the APC’s desperation to maintain control at all costs.”
The opposition party also criticized Okpebholo’s continued focus on the previous PDP administration, describing his behavior as increasingly erratic. “His obsession with the PDP is beginning to resemble that of a jilted lover,” the statement said. “Rather than focusing on governance, he has chosen to dwell on baseless criticisms and empty threats, which do nothing to address the serious challenges facing Edo State.”
Commendation for Osita Chidoka
The PDP commended Osita Chidoka, a former PDP member and advocate for electoral integrity, for bringing attention to the alleged irregularities during a recent interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. The party noted that Chidoka, who resigned from the PDP to focus on his advocacy, had not targeted the APC in his remarks but had instead highlighted failings within INEC, the electoral umpire.
“Chidoka’s revelations have further underscored the systemic issues within INEC that compromised the integrity of the September 21 governorship election,” the PDP said. “Rather than addressing these serious allegations, the APC and Okpebholo have chosen to attack Chidoka and others who dare to speak the truth. This behavior only serves to highlight their fear of accountability.”
The PDP also questioned why the APC appeared to be “jittery” if they truly believed the election was conducted fairly. “If the APC is so confident in the legitimacy of their victory, why are they so eager to dismiss independent analyses and resort to intimidation? The guilty are always afraid,” the statement added.
A Call for Focus and Justice
The PDP urged Governor-select Okpebholo to shift his focus away from political distractions and concentrate on the task of governance, emphasizing that the people of Edo State deserve better. “It is time for Okpebholo to stop his lamentations and threats and begin to address the pressing issues facing Edo State,” the party said. “The endless moaning about the PDP only serves to highlight his insecurities and inability to rise to the challenges of leadership.”
The PDP reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming what it described as its “stolen mandate” through legal channels. The party expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to deliver a fair verdict that reflects the will of the Edo people.
“We remain resolute in our pursuit of justice,” the PDP concluded. “The people of Edo State spoke clearly on September 21, casting their votes for the PDP. Their mandate cannot and will not be undermined by deceit, intimidation, or baseless propaganda. We trust that the judiciary will ensure that the truth prevails and that democracy is upheld in Edo State.”
With this statement, the PDP has not only reaffirmed its stance on the alleged electoral fraud but has also set the stage for what promises to be a heated legal and political battle over the future of Edo State’s governance.
