The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has responded to allegations from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors regarding manipulation of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.

During a recent two-day meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the PDP governors claimed that electoral irregularities prevented the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, from winning in Edo.

The PDP governors also accused INEC of rigging in the recent Ondo election.

They alleged that INEC altered results to benefit the APC and urged the judiciary and lawmakers to enhance electoral laws to combat what they referred to as “institutional sabotage of the will of the people”.

In response, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, called the allegations “unfortunate and inappropriate,” emphasizing that INEC, as a law-abiding body, cannot comment on ongoing court matters.

Oyekanmi criticized the PDP governors for engaging in a “media trial”, encouraging them to present their evidence in court instead of making unsubstantiated claims publicly.

He pointed out that the PDP has filed a petition at the tribunal to contest the Edo State governorship election results, suggesting they should provide their evidence there.

Regarding the Ondo State election, Oyekanmi defended INEC’s performance, labeling it one of the best elections conducted by the Commission.

He urged political parties to adopt a spirit of sportsmanship, stating, “It is not healthy to accept the outcome of an election only when you win.”

The electoral body had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Edo election with 291,667 votes, with the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, securing 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,761 votes.

Similarly, in Ondo, INEC declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the governorship election that was held on Nov 14 defeating the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate Agboola Ajayi, and Olorunfemi Festus of the Labour Party.

Bassey Akiba, the representative for Calabar Municipality/Odukpani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has officially switched from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akiba, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, announced his defection on Friday, citing alignment with the APC’s vision and leadership as a key factor in his decision.

Akiba expressed gratitude to his former party but emphasized that his move to the APC was driven by a desire to better serve his constituents and contribute to the nation’s development.

The Labour Party has yet to release an official statement regarding Akiba’s defection, but insiders suggest the move may prompt a reevaluation of its strategy in the region.

With Akiba’s defection, the APC continues to strengthen its presence in the South-South geopolitical zone, a region traditionally dominated by opposition parties.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has once again postponed its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was scheduled for November 28, 2024.

This marks the fourth delay in holding the party’s 99th NEC session, raising questions about the party’s internal coordination amid its ongoing crisis.

The announcement came through a public notice signed by PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in Abuja. According to Anyanwu, the rescheduling is to allow party leaders to attend the funeral of the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, wife of Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno. The funeral will run from November 27 to 29, 2024.

“At its meeting on Wednesday, the National Working Committee (NWC) considered the funeral programme of Mrs. Eno, which coincides with the scheduled NEC meeting. Recognizing the importance of commiserating with Governor Eno, the 99th NEC meeting will now be held on a date to be announced later,” the notice stated.

This latest delay follows a series of postponements since August, with the meeting initially rescheduled for September, then October 2, and subsequently November 28. The repeated deferrals have fueled speculation about deeper challenges within the party.

The NWC expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the change, urging NEC members to stay informed of the new date. As the PDP navigates these turbulent times, party stakeholders are closely watching to see how the leadership addresses the lingering crises.