• Urges CSOs, others to speak out against electoral malpractices
• Calls for cancellation, vows to challenge result in court

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to probe the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) over allegations of electoral fraud and manipulation during the recently held local council elections.

The party also urged the judiciary, civil society organisations (CSOs), international observers, and democracy watchdogs to speak out against the “tyranny” and “electoral malpractices” witnessed during the elections.

Chairman of the PDP Chairmen Forum in the state, Adegboyega Adegbesan, who spoke, yesterday, said the election was a sham, with thugs allegedly invading the polling units, snatching ballot boxes, and assaulting voters, while LASIEC officials turned a blind eye to the activities of the attackers.

The party also alleged massive ballot box stuffing, pre-thumb-printed ballot papers, and doctored result sheets, which it claimed, were designed to subvert the will of the people.

The PDP, therefore, vowed not to recognise the “fraudulent” election or its so-called “winners” and pledged to challenge the outcome through available legal means.

Also speaking, the PDP’s councillorship candidate in Ward F, Iwaya, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alade Yusuf, alleged that there was no collation of results at his ward.

“What we witnessed was a coordinated effort to disrupt, manipulate and silence the people’s voice. We demand a total cancellation of the Ward F councillorship election and a fresh election to be conducted under full security and monitored by the CSOs.

“This is bigger than a single candidate or party. This is about the future of our community, our democracy, and our right to choose who leads us,” he said.