YPP Accuses PDP of Plot to Hijack, Rig LG Election in Ikono, with State Funds •••Demands Free, Fair, Credible Polls

 

The Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Akwa Ibom State has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of plans to hijack and rig the October 5 local government elections in Ikono local government area using state funds. 

The opposition party which harped on the need for a democratic electoral process called on the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, (AKISIEC), to ensure strict adherence to free,fair amd credible poll 

YPP maintained that the Commission owes the people the sacred responsibility of making sure that their votes counted. 

Addressing journalists on Friday October 4 at the YPP State Secretariat, Uyo the State Chairman, Elder Wisdom Udoaka mentioned that his party is fully aware of the plans by the PDP to use instruments of government to subdue voters against their will, specifically in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District with Ikono and Ini local governments in focus. 

"We are fully aware of logistics plans by the PDP to use instruments of government to subdue voters against their will, especially around grey areas like Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District with special emphasis on Ikono and Ini local government areas." The YPP State Chairman revealed

He cited the live campaign broadcast of the PDP in Ikono local government where according to him, a chieftain of the PDP threatened the people of the area while claiming the readiness of the PDP to forcefully and unlawfully win the election using the state's treasury

Elder Udoaka therefore called on  security agencies to carry out discreet investigation in order to avert such desecration of the election

"We are also fully aware of the influx of militia groups from across the country to stage a commando style rigging notwithstanding the existing peace that we have so fat enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno."

"Only yesterday, during a live campaign broadcast, a PDP chieftain, ostensibly dared the people of Ikono local government area, promising that the Akwa Ibom state treasury, all security agencies and any other government arsenal will be unleashed upon the people of Ikono local government to take back forcefully the mandate of the people of Ikono."

"This is a clear call for anarchy by Mr Godwin Ntukude. YPP calls on the Department of State Security to investigate, identify and protect the life of the 'one man's Mr Godwin Ntukude has openly threatened."

" The open display of a coffin by PDP signified death and war threats. This validates the outburst by Mr Godwin Ntukude, hence our call for action."

However, the YPP called on its teaming members and followers in Ikono local government and Akwa Ibom State not to be intimidated by the threat, but to remain focused on the goal of voting to win in all the elections across the State.