The Peoples Democratic Party has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission against announcing the results of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State at midnight.
Acting National Chairman, Illiya Damagum, made this declaration during the PDP’s campaign finale in Edo, where he presented the party’s flag to governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, according to Politics Nigeria.
Damagum emphasized the need for vigilance and warned that any attempt to rig the election would be resisted.
He urged party supporters to vote en masse and protect their votes, stating that the Edo election would be a test for Nigeria’s democracy.
Other PDP leaders, including Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri and presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, also warned against compromising the electoral process and encouraged voters to protect their votes to ensure a PDP victory.
The warning comes after controversy surrounding the midnight announcement of the 2023 presidential election results, which saw Bola Tinubu declared winner by INEC.
He said, “To INEC, we don’t want that midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant and make sure that it doesn’t happen.”
“And, we know they will rig the election, this is not a threat, but we are very serious and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.
“To the citizens of this country, please watch the election of Edo, it will be a test for our democracy. If they miss it here, it means they are looking for anarchy. We know they will attempt to do so, but we will resist them.”
On his part, Ighodalo pledged 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 ensure a PDP victory.
He said, “So come out to vote, protect and defend your votes, escort your votes and make sure they are announced and if you do that, no body can change your votes and PDP will win come September 21.”
