Anambra: PDP Challenges INEC to Conduct Free and Fair Election

Oseloka Obazee, PDP Candidate in Anambra

Anambra: PDP Challenges INEC to conduct Free and Fair Election

Barring any last-minute obstruction, the gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Nigeria will hold tomorrow, November 18th. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is prepared and ready for the election, challenging the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair polls in the state.

In a statement this morning in Abuja, by its National Publicity Secretary, Dayo Adeyeye, the PDP said it was “charging the Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies deployed for the Election to be neutral in the Conduct of the Election”.

“The Anambra State Governorship Election is a litmus test for INEC and another opportunity for the Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), to redeem itself from the culture of impunity, inconclusive elections and rigging as exhibited in previous elections in Edo, Ondo and other by-elections in the Country.

“ We want to join other well-meaning Nigerians to condemn the recent withdrawal of personal security of the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris. Notwithstanding that President Buhari ordered the reinstatement of Governor’s security aides, this recent action by the Police  is a clear signal that the Force is working to favour some individuals in the State or destabilize the Governorship Election in Anambra State.

“In view of the above, we are again, sounding a note of warning that we will not accept any manipulation of results in Anambra State. The INEC and all security agencies deployed for the election must remain neutral and unbiased before, during and after the Election. We insist that this election in Anambra State and others henceforth  must be free, fair, credible and transparent. Anything short of these will not be acceptable to us.

“We call on the people of Anambra State to protect their PVC and come out enmass to vote for our Governorship Candidate, Mr. Henry Oseloka Obaze and his Running Mate, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively. We also urge the electorate in Anambra to vote and stay to protect their votes from polling units to the Collation Centers in order to scuttle the planned replacement of Authentic Results Sheet by the APC.

“Finally, we call on all election monitors and observers to maintain vigilance during the period of the Election. The success of our electoral processes depends largely on the hard-work of observers and monitors exposing election riggers and vote theft. “God bless the people of Anambra State! God bless the PDP!! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, the party said.