The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised its members and supporters, especially in Kogi and Bayelsa states, to use lawful means to protect their votes in the forthcoming governorship elections.
This is contained in a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, on Monday in Abuja.
Metuh said that the call became necessary following the “continuous violation of electoral rules and intimidation of opposition”.
Metuh said this was a fallout to an alleged open manipulation of Saturday’s Borno Central Senatorial by-election.
He said that the by-election fell short of ” all acceptable standards and was characterised by high-level manipulations”.
He added that a party, during the by-election, used compromised electoral officers and security forces to muscle votes.
“This barefaced rape on our democracy is completely unacceptable and must not be allowed to continue in the country.
“The national leadership of the PDP charges all our supporters across the country, especially in Kogi and Bayelsa states, to be on the alert ahead of the Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 governorship elections.
“They should use every lawful means as citizens of Nigeria to protect their votes and ensure that no one, no matter the force or manipulation, is allowed to subvert the will of the people.
Metuh said as a party that nurtured and sustained the country’s democracy for 16 years, the PDP during the period strengthened the safety net of ‘one man, one vote’.
“We insist that the sanctity of the ballot box and the overall electoral process must be upheld at all levels and at all times.”
He said while PDP rejected the processes of the Borno by-election, the party would not “by any means allow a replay of such manipulations in Kogi and Bayelsa states.”
