The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reviewing the results of the recently concluded Ondo State governorship election, citing alleged irregularities.
During a meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Jos, Plateau State, on Saturday, the party’s governors accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of vote-buying and result manipulation. The election, held last weekend, saw APC candidate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa secure a resounding victory to retain his seat in Alagbaka, Akure. The PDP, however, finished a distant second.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as the forum’s chairman, condemned the conduct of the election.
“Meanwhile, we are still examining the documents on the Ondo elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes,” he stated.
The governors urged the judiciary to intervene and protect democracy, calling on the National Assembly to review electoral laws to prevent what they described as “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”
The forum also expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the Edo governorship election held two months prior. Governor Bala Mohammed described it as a “rape of democracy,” alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) manipulated results to favor the APC candidate.
“It is clear to everyone with a conscience that INEC manipulated results in favor of the APC candidate, when in fact, the majority of the lawful votes were won by PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo,” Mohammed added.
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In addition to addressing electoral issues, the PDP governors called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting by the first week of February 2025. The forum believes this will allow for broader consultations with party stakeholders and help resolve the lingering leadership crisis within the PDP.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, host of the meeting, emphasized the importance of restoring the PDP as the party of choice for Nigerians. He commended his colleagues and party members for their commitment to strengthening the opposition party.
The meeting underscores the PDP’s efforts to address internal challenges while advocating for electoral reforms to ensure credible elections in Nigeria.
