By Milcah Tanimu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly dismissed allegations by PDP governors that it manipulated the Edo State governorship election results in favor of the APC.
During a recent meeting in Jos, PDP governors accused INEC of tampering with election results and permitting vote-buying during the Ondo election. They urged lawmakers and the judiciary to strengthen electoral laws to curb irregularities.
Responding to the claims, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, labeled the accusations as “unfortunate.” He emphasized that INEC operates lawfully and refrains from commenting on cases under litigation.
Oyekanmi criticized the PDP for conducting a “media trial” and advised the party to present its evidence at the tribunal instead of making public claims. He also defended the commission’s handling of the Ondo election, calling it one of the best-run elections in recent times.
INEC declared APC’s Monday Okpebholo the winner of the Edo election, with 291,667 votes, while PDP’s Asue Ighodalo received 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,761 votes.
Oyekanmi concluded by encouraging political parties to accept election outcomes with sportsmanship, stating that it is unhealthy to accept results only when victorious.
