INEC to Provide Edo Poll Materials to PDP Today

Olaitan SodiqNovember 22, 202455

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it will grant the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) access to electoral materials from the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.

This announcement follows accusations from the PDP that INEC has been deliberately withholding these materials to cover up alleged rigging.

Dr. Augbum Onuoha, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, stated, “We have asked them to come tomorrow (Wednesday)” to inspect the election materials.

This comes after PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that INEC’s actions were part of a scheme to manipulate the election outcome.

The PDP is contesting the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, as the winner with 291,667 votes, compared to Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who secured 247,274 votes.

The PDP has vowed to challenge the results in court, citing significant irregularities.

Edo State’s Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, criticized INEC for what he described as delay tactics and accused the APC of conspiring with the commission to obstruct justice.

He expressed concern that these tactics were aimed at preventing the PDP from filing a timely petition.

In a related protest, the women’s wing of the Edo PDP rallied to demand the return of what they described as “the stolen mandate” of Ighodalo.

Spokesperson Stella Okoro emphasized their pain over the election outcome, asserting, “Our stolen mandate is what we are asking for. We are not happy. We have never seen this kind of election before.”

The APC has dismissed these allegations, stating they are unfounded and a product of the PDP’s denial of defeat.

The party’s Director of Publicity urged the public to disregard the PDP’s claims, emphasizing that the election was conducted fairly and legally.