According to a report from PUNCH, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence that its candidate for the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, will emerge victorious despite attempts to derail his campaign through smear tactics and frivolous lawsuits.
In a statement released on Sunday, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said the party is aware of a "well-oiled plot" by "egocentric and overtly ambitious individuals" to undermine Ighodalo's candidacy through coordinated negative campaigns and manipulation of the judicial process.
The PDP statement came on the heels of last week's judgment by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which nullified the party's February 22 governorship primary that produced Ighodalo as its standard-bearer.
The court ruled that 378 delegates were excluded from the exercise.
However, the PDP has rejected the court ruling and vowed to appeal the decision, insisting that Ighodalo remains its rightful candidate.
Ologunagba accused unnamed individuals of boasting about their ability to "compromise the courts" and derail the democratic process in Edo State.
The party called on the judiciary, media, and security agencies to be wary of the "antics and activities of these elements" and protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Ologunagba maintained that the party would not be deterred by the "mischiefs of these failed individuals" as their "schemes against Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the people of Edo State have come to naught having already been exposed."