The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised an alarm over what it describes as a dangerous partisan bias in the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
In a press conference held yesterday, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the state, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha of having strong affiliations with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“We have credible information that Dr. Anugbum Onuoha is an APC apologist,” Damagum declared.
“His appointment is a blatant attempt to undermine the electoral process and rig the election in favour of the APC,” he added.
The PDP also accused the APC of using rogue police operatives to harass and detain members and supporters of the party, claiming that this intimidation is part of a broader strategy to influence the election outcome.
“As we speak, 16 of our members have been arrested on spurious charges, with some transported to Abuja for detention and torture.
“This is part of a coordinated effort to scare our supporters and rig the election,” Damagum lamented.
The party’s demands include the immediate redeployment of the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nemo Edwin-Iwo, and REC Dr. Onuoha.
The PDP insists that such actions are critical to maintaining the electoral process’s credibility and ensuring a fair and transparent election.
The PDP concluded by urging the electorate to remain vigilant and to actively defend their votes on election day, promising to stand by them in their quest for a free and fair democratic process.
“The PDP salutes the courage of the people of Edo State and urges them to remain vigilant and at alert to defend democracy and defend their votes at the Saturday, September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election.
“Edo State people are assured that the PDP will be with them in their desire to ensure that their Will as expressed at the poll is not subverted, Full Details” the statement noted.
