The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed allegations made by governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) concerning the conduct of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
The PDP governors, during a two-day meeting held in Jos, Plateau State, alleged that electoral irregularities hindered their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, from securing victory. They also accused INEC of manipulating results in the recent Ondo State election to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement, the governors described the alleged actions as “institutional sabotage of the will of the people” and urged the judiciary and lawmakers to strengthen electoral laws to prevent such occurrences.
Responding, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, called the allegations “unfortunate and inappropriate,” asserting that the Commission, as a law-abiding institution, does not comment on matters before the courts.
Oyekanmi criticized the governors for engaging in what he termed a “media trial” and advised them to substantiate their claims through legal proceedings. He noted that the PDP has already filed a petition at the tribunal to challenge the Edo election results, where they are expected to present their evidence.
On the Ondo State election, Oyekanmi defended INEC’s conduct, describing it as one of the Commission’s best-organized polls. He called on political parties to embrace sportsmanship, stating, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win.”
