The PDP Governors’ Forum Has charged INEC to uphold its integrity by announcing the results that reflect the choice Edolites had made in Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
This is as the Governors’ Forum yualso refuted accusations from the APC, which alleged interference by PDP governors in INEC’s duties.
In a statement released by the Forum’s chairman, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who also serves as the governor of Bauchi State, the Forum clarified that Governor Fintiri merely referenced results that were already publicly accessible on the INEC IREV portal, aiming to prevent any form of manipulation.
“We are satisfied that our colleagues as led by His Excellency Governor Ahmadu Fintiri simply stated the results of a few local government areas as were already collated and captured on the INEC IREV portal, to forestall any manipulation by unscrupulous elements and, ultimately, averting a situation that could throw the exercise into disrepute and the nation into political jeopardy.
“Therefore, the public is advised to disregard the mischievous accusation by the APC that anyone usurped INEC’s responsibility, let alone distinguished Nigerians who are governors in their respective states.
“We stand with our Governors, H/E Fintiri, H/E Diri, H/E Agbu Kefas, and H/E Oborevwori of Adamawa, Bayelsa, Taraba, and Delta States respectively, on all the actions and positions that they have taken on our behalf, concerning maintaining the sanctity of the election,” the Forum stated.
The PDP Governors Forum commended the people of Edo State for their strong participation in the 2024 governorship election, highlighting the achievements of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki and the qualifications of the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, as key influences on voter decisions.
As the collation process continues, the Forum urged INEC to uphold its integrity and dedication to democracy, stressing the importance of an impartial and transparent electoral process.
“We remind INEC of the need to live up to the expectations of the people, to serve as an impartial umpire committed to deepening our multi-party democracy,” the statement urged.
The PDP governors further reaffirmed their dedication to democratic principles and the peace and stability of Nigeria.
“We look forward to the announcement of a result that truly represents the wishes of the Edo people as freely expressed through their votes,” the statement concluded.