The PDP has called the smear campaigns and legal battles against its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the upcoming Edo State Governorship election futile. They believe that Ighodalo is still the popular choice among the majority of the people in Edo State.
In a statement issued by Debo Ologunagba, the national publicity secretary of the PDP, the party acknowledged a deliberate plan by certain individuals to organize a series of coordinated smear campaigns against Ighodalo.
However, the PDP noted that these efforts have been hindered by Ighodalo’s selection as the candidate, his widespread popularity throughout the state, and his evident path towards victory in the upcoming election.
The statement read, “The Party has been made aware of how these angry and bitter individuals have been going around the courts and reportedly attempting to induce certain judicial officers to procure damaging rulings against our candidate.”
“It has also come to the knowledge of our Party that these unscrupulous elements have been attempting to compromise the media to publish fabrications against our candidate and campaign.
“Our Party have it on good authority that the intent of these individuals who have been holding clandestine meetings in locations in Abuja and Benin City is to cause crisis and derail the democratic process leading to the Edo State governorship election.”
The party revealed that these politicians are spreading false reports about the Court nullifying the PDP’s governorship primary in Edo State, despite no such court order.
“These individuals have been going about brazenly boasting that they have the connection and capacity to compromise the courts.
“Such barefaced boast is a direct assault on the sensibility and pride of the majority of the people of Edo State as well as the institutions of democracy where the Will of the majority of the people must prevail.
“Our Party alerts the Institution of the Judiciary, the Media and Security Agencies to be wary of the antics and activities of these elements and take steps to resist their shenanigans which is a clear and present danger to the sustenance of democracy in our country.
“In any case, the PDP is not deterred by the mischiefs of these failed individuals as their schemes against Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have come to naught having already been exposed.
“Our Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo continues to enjoy the solidarity and support of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State; he remains focused on his issue-based campaign and will not be distracted from his vision and agenda of moving Edo State to another level of prosperity and development on the platform the PDP.
The party further noted, “The PDP calls on the people of Edo State to remain at alert and resolute in their determination to ensure continued development by voting enmasse for the PDP and Dr. Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state.”
