The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has admonished those involved in an alleged smear campaign against Dr. Asue Ighodalo, its candidate in the September Edo State gubernatorial election, to desist, as their effort will lead to nothing.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary, the national leadership of the party affirmed that such smear campaigns and frivolous litigation aimed at distracting its candidate
are all efforts in futility, as “he is the undisputed choice of the majority of the people of Edo State.”
The PDP disclosed that it is aware of “a well-oiled plot by certain egocentric and overtly ambitious individuals to orchestrate a series of coordinated smear campaigns against Dr Asue Ighodalo, frustrated by his emergence as a candidate, his overwhelming popularity across the state, and the fact that he is already coasting to victory in the election.”
According to the statement, the PDP has been made aware of “how these angry and bitter individuals have been going around the courts and reportedly attempting to induce certain judicial officers to procure damaging rulings against our candidate.”
The statement added: “It has also come to the knowledge of our party that these unscrupulous elements have been attempting to compromise the media to publish fabrications against our candidate and campaign.
“Our Party has 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.
“Information available shows that these politicians are behind the erroneous report that our party’s governorship primary in Edo State was nullified by the court when the court indeed did not issue any order to that effect.
“These individuals have been going about brazenly 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.
“Our Party alerts the institutions of 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 are a clear and present danger to the sustenance of democracy in our country.
“In any case, the PDP is not deterred by the mischiefs of these failed individuals, as their schemes against Dr Asue Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have come to nought, having already been exposed.
“Our candidate, Dr Asue 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 of the PDP.”
The PDP called on the people of Edo State to remain alert and resolute in their determination to ensure continued development by voting en masse for the PDP and Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.
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