Edo election: Presidency dismisses PDP allegations of interference

The Presidency has firmly denied allegations made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, accusing it of plotting to influence the upcoming gubernatorial election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP claimed that the Presidency, through the National Security Adviser (NSA), was planning to use state resources and security agencies to secure victory for APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo.

In a statement issued in Benin by PDP’s Edo State Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the party alleged that the NSA was instructed to collaborate with the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies to tilt the election in favor of the APC.

However, in a swift response, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, dismissed the allegations as baseless. Ajayi emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to upholding democratic values and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Ajayi accused the PDP of fabricating excuses for an expected defeat, stressing that President Tinubu, a committed democrat, would never undermine democracy.

He added that institutions such as the DSS and NSA are dedicated to national security and the preservation of democracy, not the subversion of the electoral process.

“The PDP is merely laying the groundwork for failure in the upcoming Edo election,” Ajayi stated, noting that the party’s leadership has largely defected to the APC, leaving it in disarray. He described the PDP’s allegations as a desperate move to divert attention from their internal challenges and impending defeat.

Ajayi reiterated the government’s commitment to free and fair elections, asserting that the PDP’s claims were an attempt to cover up its lack of preparedness.