The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against announcing the results of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State at midnight.
This is even as the party vows to protect their votes at all costs.
Acting National Chairman Illiya Damagum made this declaration during the grand finale of the PDP campaign in Edo, where he presented the party’s flag to gubernatorial candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
He stated, “To INEC, we don’t want a midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant to ensure it doesn’t happen.”
Damagum expressed concerns about potential election rigging, saying, “This is not a threat; we are serious. We will defend our votes with our blood and whatever it takes.”
He urged citizens to pay close attention to the Edo election, calling it a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy. “If they fail here, they are inviting anarchy. We are aware of their plans, but we will resist them.”
He called on party supporters to vote in large numbers and safeguard their ballots, emphasizing the importance of the Edo election for the future of democracy in Nigeria.
This warning follows the controversial midnight announcement of the 2023 presidential election results, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, was declared the winner by INEC.
Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Adamawa State, also cautioned against compromising the electoral process. He urged Edo residents to support Ighodalo, asserting that the party cannot be intimidated and knows how to win elections without being rigged out.
Ighodalo promised to build on the foundation laid by incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, while 2023 presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar encouraged voters to protect their votes and secure a PDP victory.
He urged, “Come out to vote, protect and defend your votes, escort your ballots, and ensure they are announced. If you do this, no one can alter your votes, and the PDP will win on September 21.”
