- Says Feb 3, 2024 poll is test for Nigeria’s democracy
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State has written President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the forthcoming House of Representatives bye-election in Akoko North East/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency of the state as another test for Nigeria’s democracy.
In the letter titled “Akoko Bye-Election: “The Need For Mr. President To Ensure That Security Agencies Conduct Themselves Professionally And INEC Impartial”, dated January 23, and signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Hon Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the party said:
“The February 3, 2024 bye-election in Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency in Ondo State will be another test for Nigeria’s democracy. Whether or not security agencies will be professional in the discharge of their duties or descend into the arena, muscling up opposition candidates, thereby creating avoidable tension.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ondo State Chapter wishes to plead with Mr President to prevail on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. The people’s votes must count as any attempt to rig the election will be resisted.
“Our party notes the wilful attempts by certain elements in government with an insatiable appetite for greed and avarice for power through any crooked means, to use this election to test the will of the people, no matter the dire consequences of such importunate and inordinate ambitions.
“These lazy politicians rather than meaningfully engage the electorates are again banking and shamelessly boasting on your support to skew the electoral process to their undue advantage.
“It is against this background that, we make this appeal to allow all those that will be on duty for this election to discharge their responsibilities professionally to strengthen our democracy.”
