The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has accused aggrieved politicians of campaign of calumny against its candidate for the Edo State governorship election, Dr Asue Ighodalo.
PDP in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, alleged that these individuals “have been going around the courts and reportedly attempting to induce certain judicial officers to procure damaging rulings against our candidate.”
The party further alleged that there were attempts to compromise the media to publish fabrications against its 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,” PDP stated.
It accused the aggrieved politicians of being behind the report that the party’s governorship primary in Edo State was nullified by the court “when the court indeed did not issue any order to that effect.”
According to the PDP, these individuals have been going about 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,” the party said.
The PDP called on 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, it added, is danger to the sustenance of democracy in the country.
The party however said it is not deterred by the activities of these 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 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.”
It, however, called on the people of Edo State to remain at alert and resolute in their determination to ensure continued development by voting en masse for the PDP and Dr Ighodalo in the September 21 governorship election in the state.