Presidency denies PDP’s allegations of interference in Edo election

The Presidency has dismissed accusations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration plans to use state institutions to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Edo State governorship election. PDP Edo State Chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, had alleged that the presidency intends to use the office […]

The Presidency has dismissed accusations by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration plans to use state institutions to secure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming Edo State governorship election.

PDP Edo State Chairman, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, had alleged that the presidency intends to use the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to favour APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 election.

In response, the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, through his legal representatives, Charles Musa & Co., refuted the claims, calling them “baseless” and contrary to Ribadu’s reputation.

Speaking with Daily Trust on Monday, Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, also denied the allegations, labelling them “silly and ridiculous.”

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Ajayi said, “There is no truth in such a claim. President Tinubu will not lend his presidency to any illegality or anything that compromises the integrity of our elections. He is an avowed democrat.”

He further faulted the PDP’s stance, saying, “The ship of PDP in Edo State is sinking, just like it sank in the national elections. The PDP is merely preparing an alibi for its imminent defeat in the upcoming election.”

Ajayi also suggested that many PDP leaders had already joined the APC in Edo State, questioning the relevance of the opposition.

“What is left of the PDP in Edo State is a carcass that Governor Obaseki is using as his special purpose vehicle,” he said.

Addressing the role of security agencies, Ajayi concluded, “The DSS and NSA work for the security and preservation of the country. Such important institutions can never be used to subvert the electoral process or democracy under any guise.”