The Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum has described the recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states as ‘rape of democracy’.
The forum made the statement in a communique issued in Jos, Plateau State capital. It was signed by its chairman, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, after their two-day meeting, which ended on Saturday.
Also, the PDP governors said: “We are still examining the documents in Ondo elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes.”
According to the PDP governors, “The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections.
“It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
“The forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people,” the forum stated.
Speaking on the crisis rocking the opposition, the forum noted that PDP will not back down in its resolve to unify aggrieved members, saying its governors are poised to drive useful policies.
“The forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders and members of our great party of seeming divisions within the ranks and files.
“The forum wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance,” it said.
Economic Hardship Under Tinubu’s Led-Government
The opposition Party stressed the urgent need for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review his policies, which have thrown many Nigerians into untold hardship.
“The forum empathised with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led federal government,” the communique stated.
The removal of fuel subsidies and other economic policies implemented by Mr Tinubu’s administration has resulted in existential challenges in the country.
According to the forum, it’s incumbent on the APC-led administration to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians while putting a human face to its policies and actions.
It stated, “The forum calls on the president to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies that will address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.”
