From Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
As Kogi state local government election draws nearer Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) has advised the state governed not to intimidate the electorate as was done during the November 16 2019 governorship election.
In an interview with Daily Times at the PDP Secretariat in Lokoja, state Organising Secretary of the party, Hon. Ojodugbe Christopher, lamented that thugs, government officials, backed by security operatives, unleashed terror on the electorate that paved way for massive electoral malpractice across the state.
He said PDP will not shy away or be threatened to abandon the election as it is confident of winning elections in the state including the forthcoming local government council election.
” We urge the electorate to turn out en masse to vote for candidates and political parties of their choice. They should avoid violence or anything that can lead to breach of peace ,before, during and after the December 12 LGC election.” Hon. Christopher said.
The Organising Secretary alleged that the governorship election was characterized by over use of power leading to loss of lives of several innocent people.
He said ” PDP is fielding candidates for Chairmanship in all the 21 LGAs and Councillorship seats in the 239 wards across the state”
Christopher also said PDP primaries for Councillors will commence on Thursday to be followed by those of the Chairmanship aspirants .
Already the APC has picked its Chairmanship candidates for the 21 local government areas and the 239 Councillors, despite protests from party members and aspirants. They were expecting that APC to organise primaries, but party sources said it has to embark on guided democracy to avoid fictionalisation.
