The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify Governor Hope Uzodimma, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), less than 24 hours before the Imo gubernatorial election.
The PDP cited the reported involvement of Governor Uzodimma and the APC in the production and circulation of a fake video against Senator Samuel Anyanwu, its Imo state governorship candidate, in order to mislead the public as a reason for its stance.
In a statement by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, its National Publicity Secretary, the PDP described the video as shameful and barbaric, accusing Gov. Uzodimma of descending to a new low to mislead the people of Imo State.
The party stated that the fake video indicates that Governor Uzodimma fears the popularity of its candidate and has resorted to underhand methods to sabotage his chances in the polls.
The PDP, however, commended the courage of the management of TVC, which was allegedly misrepresented in the fake video, for immediately condemning and disclaiming the fraudulent use of its logo, name, and inscription in an attempt to deceive the people of Imo State.
The party reaffirmed that its candidate, Senator Anyanwu, remains in the governorship race and implored the people of Imo State to disregard the video as completely false.
”The PDP restates that our candidate, Senator Anyanwu, is very much in the governorship race. The people of Imo should disregard the said video, as it is completely false.
”If there is anybody that should withdraw from the race, it is Governor Uzodimma, who has amply demonstrated that he is not ready to contest in a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election.
”The PDP calls on INEC to disqualify the APC and Governor Uzodimma as their reported involvement in producing and circulating the fake video constitute a gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, the Nigerian Criminal Code, and Cyber Crime Law,” the statement read.