The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is confident about securing victory in the upcoming local government elections this year. However, the party has raised concerns about potential manipulation of the election results, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of consistently rigging local polls in the state.
In an interview, PDP Deputy Chairman Tai Benedict stated that while the party has achieved success in previous elections, the APC has engaged in electoral fraud. He expressed scepticism about the fairness of the upcoming local government elections, suggesting that the results may already be predetermined.
Benedict remarked, “We might emerge victorious, but I must admit that the Lagos PDP faces significant challenges. President Bola Tinubu is the architect of election outcomes in Lagos State.”
He referenced the situations in Edo and Ondo states as examples of electoral manipulation but reiterated the party’s commitment to participating in the elections. “We will do our utmost to win, but ultimately, it depends on those in power to announce the results,” he added.
In related developments, Benedict alluded to the possibility of the PDP merging with other parties to challenge the ruling APC. “It’s neither too late nor too early to discuss a merger. We have commenced reconciliation efforts at both the national and state levels,” he noted.
In response to Benedict’s claims, Lagos APC Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo dismissed the PDP as a serious political contender. He stated, “The PDP only resurfaces during election periods, primarily to gather election funds, which ultimately leads to internal chaos until the next election cycle.”
Oladejo further emphasized that the APC’s victory in the last national elections was well-deserved, arguing that a party that attributes its failures to rigging lacks the ability and competency to lead. “If a party’s main assertion of its shortcomings is based on being cheated in past elections, it reveals a failure in leadership and political strategy,” he concluded.
