The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the results of the senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

PDP accused INEC of deliberate sabotage, and described the election process as a severe blow to Nigeria’s democratic integrity

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier on Sunday announced the All Progressives Congress candidates as the victors.

INEC declared Joseph Ikpea the winner of the Edo Central senatorial district seat and Omosede Igbinedion the winner of the Ovia Federal Constituency.

Reacting to the conduct and outcome of the elections in a statement on Sunday, Elections Secretary to the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare, said the party rejected the purported results being circulated by INEC

He described the exercise as nothing but an embarrassment to democracy.

The party alleged that INEC hid under the so-called “glitches” and “malfunctions,” but the real issue is its lack of competence, neutrality, and moral standing.

According to him, the BVAS is the single most important tool that guarantees the credibility of elections in Nigeria.

“What we witnessed was not a technical failure but a deliberate sabotage by INEC to provide room for manipulation in cohort with APC, and creates an unfair advantage for the APC and renders the entire process compromised.

“In any responsible society, the management of INEC would by now have been sacked and prosecuted for repeatedly compromising the electoral process.

“Nigerians deserve elections that are free, fair, and credible and not exercises where the outcome is predetermined.

“Until our elections are adequately prepared for and conducted transparently, democracy in Nigeria will remain under siege,” he said. (Sunday PUNCH)