**Edo PDP Slams State Governor Over Election Controversy**
The Edo State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has rebuked Governor Monday Okpebholo over his recent statement, which the party sees as a desperate attempt to cover up the manipulation that marred the September 21 governorship election.
In a statement by Chris Osa Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, the party took umbrage with the statement attributed to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor-designate, Monday Okpebholo. The statement was seen as a futile attempt to undermine an independent analysis conducted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a non-partisan research organization.
The PDP observed that the analysis, supported by irrefutable evidence and data, clearly showed the systematic rigging orchestrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to benefit the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party also reiterated its conviction that Governor Okpebholo was not genuinely elected, but rather selected for the position. It advised the Governor to focus on his duties instead of/worrying about the past, which it likened to a jilted lover’s lament.
The PDP urged the Governor to stop making baseless and exaggerated claims, saying that his moaning and obsession with the past PDP government now makes him sound like a broken record.
In the statement, the party also sympathized with the Governor and his team, acknowledging their lack of proficiency in digital tools and data analysis, which made it difficult for them to counter the independent analysis. The PDP pointed out that the Governor and his team resorted to baseless claims and character assassination rather than addressing the weighty issues raised about the credibility of the election.
The party also praised Osita Chidoka, a former PDP member who exposed the large-scale manipulation on Channels Television’s Politics Today, for his dedication to pursuing the integrity of elections.
The PDP stated that it will not be deterred by the Governor’s threats and intimidation, and it remains committed to reclaiming its mandate in the judiciary and ensuring that justice prevails.
