Edo PDP Denounces INEC Over Deliberate Sabotage of Saturday's Elections

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has denounced the outcomes of the Saturday, August 16 by-elections held in the state, claiming that democracy in Nigeria is under siege. According to Secretary of Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) deliberately excluded the PDP candidates under the pretext of technical failure of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Nehikhare described the technical issue as a premeditated attempt by INEC to sabotage and manipulate the election in favor of the ruling APC.

Key Takeaways:

• The Edo State chapter of the PDP denied the legitimacy of the by-elections held on August 16, accusing INEC of deliberate sabotage.
• INEC declared Hon. Omosede Igbinedion of APC as the winner of Edo Central Senatorial District and Hon. Joe Ikpea for Ovia Federal Constituency.
• The PDP accused INEC of manipulating the election through technical failure of the BVAS, an allegation that was refuted by INEC.
• Nehikhare stressed that Nigerians deserving of free, fair, and credible elections, not predetermined outcomes.
• INEC's alleged sabotage puts democracy in Nigeria under siege, according to Nehikhare.

Statistics:

• 16: The number of August on which the by-elections were held.
• 2: The number of federal constituencies that held by-elections on the same day.
• 1: The number of senatorial district up for election.
• 2: The number of candidates declared winners by INEC, both from the APC.

Sources:

• Nehikhare, Chris. (Speech) August 16 (exact date not provided), regarding the aim of PDP on voting.
• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (Statement) August 16 (exact date not provided), declaring results of the by-elections.
• Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) (Statement) August 17 (exact date not provided), on Edo by-elections.