PDP alleges plan to arrest leaders, rig poll

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged plan by the police to arrest some of its leaders in the state to prevent them from participating in the governorship election.

The party cautioned the police against taking any action that can truncate democracy in the country.

The National Vice Chairman (South West) of the party, Eddy Olafeso, at a press conference in Ede yesterday also alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was planning to rig the election.

“We have received intelligence reports that PDP leaders across the state are slated for arrest by the police, with a view to stopping them from working for the success of the party in the election.

We clearly want to advise that this kind of action must not be prosecuted under any guise as it will only underscore the allegation that there exists a plan to rig the election and make it to attain a premeditated goal of rigging it in favour of APC.

“We, however, ask our party leaders to remain law abiding and immediately activate further plans that will protect the PDP interest.

“We further state that if these planned spurious arrests are done, they will only be succeeding in giving a bad name to the President.

“There is a compelling need for all Nigerians to rescue our democracy and not allow despotism and fascism replace it.

Senator Adeleke Ademola is clearly qualified to be governor, all the sundry cases instituted by APC and its moles have been discarded because of their frivolities,” Olafeso said.

According to him, the PDP note with concern the police statement that Adeleke is involved in a misdemeanor, “this action at this material period is disappointing and totally indicative that a section in the police has descended into partisan politics by reducing itself into a mere parastatal of the APC.”

He urged the people of the state to disregard the statement from the police, saying “it is unfounded and in pursuance of an agenda that is not clearly stated.”

PDP called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that its card readers are not malfunctioning anywhere on Saturday.

Olafeso said electoral materials must also be supplied timely.