The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has described as unfortunate a statement made by President Muhammadu Buhari that the All Progressives Congress, APC, could have used security agents to overrun the opposition in the 2019 elections.
In a statement on Monday by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, the opposition party expressed worry that the President, who won the 2015 elections free and fair could think of how he could have used the Nigerian Army and Police to manipulate election results.
The party, however, said it was not surprised by Buhari’s comments as such despotic and oppressive tactics were used to disrupt the electoral process and the wishes of Nigerians in elections in Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Bayelsa and Kano states.
The statement read: “As a party, the PDP hopes this is not foreplay of what the All Progressives Congress, APC and Buhari Presidency is planning to exert in the Edo and Ondo governorship elections scheduled for September and October 2020 respectively.
“Nigerians witnessed the overrunning of Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Bayelsa and Kano states by the APC using compromised security officials and thugs. In Kogi State, a police helicopter was used to disperse the electorate, who were on the queue to perform their civic duties on Election Day. Mrs. Salome Abuh, a frontline PDP woman leader was burnt to death.
“Contrary to Mr. President’s expressed concerns, Nigerians have never witnessed the level of electoral impunity seen under his administration.
“The President must advise his party to allow INEC to carry out its responsibilities without interference.”
