With just a few days to go before the Edo State governorship election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly vowed to defend the votes of its candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo. At a rally in Benin City, the acting national chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Umar Damagun, declared that the party is prepared to go to any length to ensure the election is not rigged.

Damagun specifically warned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to release election results in the dead of night, a tactic that has previously been associated with fraudulent practices. He emphasized that the PDP would be closely watching every move and would defend the election results “with their blood,” ensuring that the will of the people is not tampered with.

In addition to INEC, the PDP called on security agencies to remain neutral, reminding them that they are funded by taxpayers and must protect citizens’ rights. Damagun made it clear that any form of bias toward a political party would lead to strong resistance from the PDP.

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who heads the party’s campaign council for the Edo election, also addressed the crowd, reiterating that the PDP would not tolerate intimidation or rigging. He urged the people of Edo to vote massively for their candidate, Ighodalo, as they stand ready to fight any attempts to manipulate the process.

Ighodalo, after receiving the party’s flag, assured supporters that he would continue the work of the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, and would ensure that Edo continues to progress under his leadership. He emphasized that like other PDP governors, he is prepared for the tough battle ahead, but is confident in victory.

As the election nears, the PDP is leaving no room for doubt: they will defend their votes and ensure a transparent and fair election process.