The PDP cautioned that it would not tolerate any election-related manipulation in a statement issued on Thursday through the party's spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba. The statement also stated that the electorate in the three states was prepared to defend their ballots.
"Our Party reaffirms that it will never permit anyone to rig the results of the governorship elections in the states of Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa, regardless of their position in society. Indeed, the PDP stated that "our party makes it very clear that anyone attempting to rig or manipulate the election in any way may have to face the rightful wrath of the people."
The PDP also issued warnings to Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, and Usman Ododo—whom he regards to as Bello's puppet candidate—asking them to accept the people's rejection and prepare to concede defeat on Saturday.
According to PDP, all indicators from multiple entrance polls indicate that the party's candidates are leading and will win all three states' gubernatorial elections. PDP further notes that any electoral path that does not accurately reflect the overwhelming will of the electorate at the polling places will face stiff opposition.
The PDP also demanded that Governor Uzodimma reveal the identities of the Imo State residents who he claimed had contributed to his campaign, accusing him of destroying the state's economy and turning it into a hotbed of murder, mayhem, and kidnapping. The party contended that this would enable the people to recognize those who endorse the instability and suffering that his government stands for.
However, the party demanded that Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC's chairman, redistribute Prof. Sylvia Agu, the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), on the grounds that she had favored the APC in earlier elections.
According to the party, the people of Imo State have made it clear that Prof. Agu is not allowed to take part in any way in the governorship race scheduled for November 11, 2023 in Imo State.
"INEC must respect the wishes and aspirations of the people and stakeholders in the electoral process because we live in a democracy," he continued.