The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stand firm against the alleged attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to introduce unaccredited polling and collation agents into the electoral process.
This appeal follows the APC’s failure to comply with the deadlines set forth by the Electoral Act of 2022 and INEC’s guidelines in preparation for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024, in Edo State.
In a statement released by PDP spokesperson, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, it was highlighted that the APC has publicly failed to upload the necessary bio-data for over 3,000 Polling and Collation Agents to INEC’s portal. He emphasized that allowing any submissions after the July 30, 2024, deadline would compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
Ologunagba asserted, “The APC’s failure to provide the required bio-data appears to be a deliberate strategy to create chaos and introduce unscrupulous elements posing as agents, thereby facilitating their plans for electoral malpractice, especially given their dwindling chances of success in the upcoming election.”
He further accused the APC of uploading inappropriate images, such as emojis and pictures of non-entities, as placeholders for thugs imported from other states, underscoring a lack of genuine preparation for a democratic election.
The statement also contrasted the APC’s approach with that of PDP candidate Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who has actively engaged with the electorate, while the APC and its nominee, Monday Okpebholo, remain disconnected from the people and rely on falsehoods and deceitful tactics.
The PDP noted the disinterest among credible citizens, particularly the youth of Edo State, who have declined to serve as Polling and Collation Agents for the APC, reflecting the general rejection of the party and its candidate.
In light of these developments, the PDP has urged INEC and relevant security agencies to safeguard the integrity of the upcoming election by resisting any attempts by APC leaders to bypass the Electoral Act of 2022 and INEC guidelines, which could lead to the infiltration of thugs and unaccredited individuals into the polling process.
The PDP reiterated that adherence to the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines is essential for ensuring a transparent, fair, and credible election that truly reflects the will of the people.
Finally, the PDP expressed gratitude to the citizens of Edo State for their unwavering support for the party and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, while encouraging them to remain alert against any electoral misconduct from the APC.
