The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described smear campaigns and litigations aagainst its candidate in the forthcoming Edo State Governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, as efforts in futility.
According to the opposition party, Ighodalo remains the “undisputed” choice of the majority of the people of Edo State.
The PDP, in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said it was aware of a “well-oiled plot” by some individuals to orchestrate a series of coordinated smear campaigns against Ighodalo being frustrated by his emergence as candidate, his overwhelming popularity across the State and the fact that he is already coasting to victory in the election.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 said information available to it shows that these politicians are behind the erroneous report that PDP’s governorship primary in Edo State was nullified by the Court when the Court indeed did not issue any Order to that effect.
“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 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,” the party added.
