The presidency has strongly denied claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, accusing it of planning to interfere in next Saturday?s election by using state machinery to favor the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Saturday in Benin by the PDP Chairman in Edo State, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the party claimed it had uncovered a scheme involving the Presidency, through the National Security Adviser (NSA), to provide financial support and state apparatus to Senator Monday Okpebholo and the APC in an effort to secure their victory.

Aziegbemi alleged that the Presidency tasked the NSA to work with the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security chiefs to execute the plan.

However, reacting to the allegations, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, described the claim as baseless and unfounded, emphasizing President Bola Tinubu?s commitment to upholding democracy and the democratic process.

Ajayi stated that the Presidency will not engage in any illegal activities that compromise the integrity of elections, citing President Tinubu?s track record as a steadfast democrat.

The Presidential aide accused the PDP of preparing excuses for its impending defeat in the Edo election, noting that the party?s leaders have abandoned the ship.

Ajayi reassured that institutions like the DSS and NSA prioritise national security and preserving democracy, rather than subverting the electoral process.

The PDP?s allegations were dismissed as a desperate attempt to deflect attention from its own lack of preparation and impending defeat.

?It is a silly and ridiculous claim coming from Edo State PDP and the PDP as a whole. There is no truth in such a claim. The Presidency and President Tinubu will not undermine democracy and the democratic process. President Tinubu is an avowed democrat.

?His party has won elections states and has lost elections, too. He won?t lend his presidency to any illegality and anything that will compromise the integrity of our elections. It is obvious the ship of PDP in Edo State is sinking just like it sank in national elections.

?The PDP is just preparing ground and perfect alibi for the failure that is bound to be its lot in the upcoming election in Edo State. The State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the candidate in the election both know they will suffer huge defeat.

?It is important to even ask which PDP is talking in Edo State because the real Edo PDP leaders who control the soul and the body of the party have since abandoned the party for the APC. What is remaining is a carcass that Governor Obaseki is merely using as his Special Purpose Vehicle.

?They shambolic party in Edo is only crying wolf where there is none to cover its ill-preparation and coming defeat in the election. The DSS and NSA work for the security of the country and the preservation of every part of the country.

?Such important institutions of state can never work for the subversion of the electoral process and democracy under any guise?, Ajayi said. (The Nation)

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