PDP supporters visit INEC, ask for reversal of Edo gov election result

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have stormed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin City, demanding the reversal of the recently announced Edo State governorship election results.

Chanting slogans of “INEC, Ole!”—which translates to “INEC is a thief”—the protesters accused the electoral body of manipulating the results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The streets around the INEC office were filled with placard-bearing protesters, some of which read, “Edo PDP won the election but INEC and police colluded to change it,” “Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governor-elect we know,” and “INEC, why did you manipulate the IREV result?”

One enraged protester said, “You cannot cheat the people and go without being questioned. INEC defrauded Asue Ighodalo just to install their incompetent candidate. We are here to protest against this imposition.”

The protesters, united in their demand for transparency, called for justice, insisting that their votes for Ighodalo were wrongfully discounted.

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Betty Irume, a vocal participant in the protest, declared, “This protest is about justice and accountability. We believe in the power of our vote for Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie!”

Another protester expressed similar sentiments, stating, “We are demanding transparency and fairness. Asue Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie represent hope for a better Edo! INEC needs to correct this wrong.”

The core of the protesters’ complaints centred on allegations that INEC colluded with security forces to rig the election in favour of the APC.

Many claimed that the results were tampered with or altered, suggesting deliberate manipulation of the outcome.

Despite assurances from INEC officials that the election was conducted transparently, PDP supporters have remained adamant that the results do not reflect the true will of Edo State voters.

As of now, INEC officials in Edo State have not issued an official statement regarding the protests or the accusations of electoral fraud.

However, security around the INEC office has been tightened, with police officers stationed at key points to prevent any escalation of violence

PDP supporters visit INEC, ask for reversal of Edo gov election result

Group to host ‘Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria’ conference

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Like Minds Group has announced the upcoming “Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria” conference, aimed at revitalizing the party for improved national governance. Scheduled for October 8, 2024, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the conference will focus on rebuilding the PDP, fostering unity among members, and enhancing transparency and accountability within the party.

The conference’s main objective is to strengthen the PDP by promoting intra-party democracy, improving governance, and developing policies that drive national development. The event, which begins at 2 pm, is expected to draw political stakeholders, civil society organizations, and the media.

Key topics on the agenda include a keynote address titled “Rebuilding the PDP: Challenges and Opportunities”, followed by a panel discussion on “Party Governance and Accountability”. Attendees will also engage in breakout sessions on critical issues such as public engagement, intra-party conflict resolution, and policy development.

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Distinguished speakers include prominent PDP figures such as Senator Abba Moro, Senator Abdul Ningi, and Senator Natasha Akpoti, among others. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties, is expected to deliver a special presentation on the role of technology in party governance.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Turaki emphasized that the conference is a pivotal step towards rebuilding the PDP and restoring Nigeria’s lost glory, urging all stakeholders to join in the collective effort to reform the party.

The PDP Like Minds Group, which is hosting the event, is a coalition of concerned party members dedicated to promoting internal democracy and good governance within the PDP.

Expected Outcomes

The conference is set to achieve several outcomes, including:A unified and stronger PDP; Improved governance and accountability within the party; Enhanced policy development and implementation strategies; Increased public engagement and participation.

This event marks an important moment for the PDP as it seeks to reposition itself ahead of the next political cycle, with an emphasis on national progress through effective governance.

Group to host ‘Fix PDP to Fix Nigeria’ conference

Nobody can stop PDP North Central from producing national chairman – Ologbondiyan

Ex- National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kola Ologbondiyan, has declared that no individual or group within the party, can deny the North Central Zone the right to produce a successor to the former PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Ologbondiyan, said this while receiving PDP youths from the North Central in Abuja, at the weekend.

According to him, the North Central zone is set to name Ayu’s successor in line with the provisions of Section 47(6) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as Amended).

He said,  “it is common knowledge that party members and stakeholders across the six geo-political zones of the country particularly the States of the North East, that includes Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Yobe, Adamawa and Borno States are in support of naming a successor from the North Central to replace Sen. Ayu, and the zone is already fine-tuning its processes to achieve that purpose. “

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He implored  PDP members to “ignore the antics of certain members of the party who have turned themselves to the Party’s Constitution and are churning out rules at their whims and caprices.

“The grundnorm for the PDP is the PDP’s Constitution (2017 as Amended) and not the desires of any individual irrespective of the position occupied by such an individual,” he added.

He urged party members to adhere to the provisions of the party’s Constitution in order to be well guided and restore the party to its lost glory.

Ologbondiyan further said, “The North Central will produce a successor to Senator Ayu, not any other zone. Any individual or group wishing to stop the implementation of Section 47 (6) of the PDP Constitution (as amended) are not seeking the good of our party.”

Nobody can stop PDP North Central from producing national chairman – Ologbondiyan