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The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Illiya Damagum, has declared that the party is fully prepared to defend its votes in the upcoming September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State, even if it requires sacrificing their blood.
Speaking at the grand finale of the PDP’s campaign rally in Edo, Damagum also cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against announcing results in the middle of the night, a tactic often viewed with suspicion.
He made it clear that the party would closely monitor the process to prevent any underhand tactics.
Damagum also urged voters to be vigilant during the election, stating that the outcome in Edo would serve as a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy.
Addressing the crowd, Damagum said, “To INEC, we don’t want that midnight results announcement. We will be vigilant and make sure that it doesn’t happen.”
“And, we know they will rig the election, this is not a threat, but we are very serious and we will defend our votes with our blood and everything.
“To the citizens of this country, please watch the election of Edo, it will be a test for our democracy. If they miss it here, it means they are looking for anarchy. We know they will attempt to do so, but we will resist them.”
He further stressed that any attempt to subvert the will of the people would lead to chaos, but the PDP would stand firm against any such efforts.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council and Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, assured the people that the party would not be intimidated.
He boldly stated, “We cannot be intimidated. We will tell them we know how to win election. No body will rig us out. Edo is the cradle of civilization and intellectual in Nigeria, you must not settle for anything less. So, vote for Ighodalo.”
PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, also spoke at the event, highlighting the work of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who he said has laid the groundwork for the state’s future. Ighodalo promised to continue from where Obaseki left off if elected.
Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, added that Edo would not succumb to external influence, referencing the state’s history of standing firm in its political choices.
“Edo is not Lagos, and it won’t become Lagos. Come out, vote, protect your votes, and ensure they are counted. If you do this, no one will be able to alter the results, and the PDP will emerge victorious on September 21,” he said.
The event was attended by key dignitaries, including PDP governors, Senator Aba Moro, Chief Tom Ikimi, members of the Board of Trustees, and other prominent figures from the State House of Assembly and House of Representatives.
