PDP rejects Ogun governorship election result, seeks INEC’s review

The People’s Democratic Party PDP, has totally rejected the declaration made by Independent National Electoral Commission on the just concluded Governorship election held on March 18th 2023, in Ogun State Southwest Nigeria.

The Electoral umpire declared Mr Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressive Congress APC as the Governor elect in the State, which according to the opposition party is against the INEC Electoral Act 2022.

The Party’s Publicity Secretary Mr Debo Ologunagba made the statement in Abuja the nation’s capital, while briefing news men on the decision of the party.

He said the PDP reviewed the conduct of the Saturday, March 18, 2023 Governorship election in Ogun State and observed with concern that the result as declared by Independent National Electoral Commission INEC is completely at variance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Guidelines issued by INEC for the conduct of the election.

Ologunagba explained that from the summary of collated results at the governorship election, its candidate was in clear lead before the process was compromised.

“Therefore instructive for INEC to note that with the cancelled votes, the margin of lead between Mr. Adedapo Abiodun of the APC and the PDP Governorship Candidate, Mr Oladipupo Adebutu is not in excess of the total number of Permanent Voters Cards PVCs collected in Polling Units where election did not hold or cancelled by INEC, citing disruption of polls” he said.

He said the number of Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, collected in places where elections were not held or cancelled is 33,750, the margin of lead between the two candidates as announced by INEC Returning Officer is 13,915 thereby invalidating the Declaration and Return made by INEC.

“In such circumstance, Section 24 (3) (4) of the Electoral Act, 2022 expressly mandated INEC to appoint a new date for the conduct of the polls in the Polling Units where election did not hold or cancelled before any Return can be made.” Ologunagba added.

While answering questions from journalists the Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba noted that the People’s Democratic Party PDP is also reviewing other Governorship elections in Nasarawa and Kaduna States amongst others before taking any legal actions.

He also expressed satisfaction with the Appeal Court ruling and victory of the PDP and its Candidate Mr. Ademola Adeleke against the ruling APC in the Osun State Governorship Election held last year stating that the PDP has confidence in the Nigerian judiciary to dispense justice in all matters.

N.O