INEC Responds to PDP Governors’ Allegations of Election Rigging

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations of electoral malpractice leveled against it by governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The accusations stem from the outcome of the recent Edo State and Ondo State governorship elections.

During a two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, PDP governors claimed that irregularities in the electoral process had denied their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, victory in Edo. They also accused INEC of manipulating results in Ondo to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governors urged legislative and judicial authorities to strengthen electoral laws to address what they described as “institutional sabotage of the will of the people.”

Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, rejected the allegations, describing them as “unfortunate and inappropriate.” He emphasized that INEC adheres to legal protocols and refrains from commenting on matters under judicial review. Oyekanmi criticized the PDP governors for engaging in what he termed a “media trial” and advised them to present any evidence of electoral malpractice in court, where the party has already filed a petition challenging the Edo election results.

Oyekanmi defended the Commission’s performance, particularly in Ondo, calling it one of INEC’s best-conducted elections. He urged political parties to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, stating that it is unhealthy to accept election results only when they are favorable.

INEC had declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the Edo State governorship election, with 291,667 votes. PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo garnered 247,274 votes, while Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata placed third with 22,761 votes. Similarly, in the Ondo governorship election held on November 14, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC emerged victorious, defeating PDP candidate Agboola Ajayi and Labour Party candidate Olorunfemi Festus.