PDP takes APC, INEC to UN over alleged plot to rig 2019 polls

CAN urges commission to prosecute faulty card readers’ procurers
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has sought the intervention of the United Nations (UN) to nip in the bud, what it called, the subtle plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the 2019 general elections.

The National Chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, who made the request yesterday while playing host to a delegation of the UN led by Mohammed Ibn Chambas, said the PDP had lost confidence in the ability of INEC to conduct credible polls, warning that Nigerians will resist any attempt to impose an unpopular government.

The party said the plot, if not checked, would deprive the nation of credible, free and fair elections.

Secondus also drew the attention of the UN to the mindless killings going on in the country, stressing that same could be part of grand design to prevent some eligible voters from casting their votes in 2019.

He also pointed out the alleged registration and voting by minors in Kano during a recently-conducted council polls, saying: “The registration of the under-aged is part of their rigging strategies.”

In his remarks, Chambas said the delegation was at the party’s secretariat to get a feel of PDP’s readiness for the poll vis-à-vis its observation of the electoral process ahead of the polls.

Chambas, who expressed UN’s support for the gender equality bill and the Not-too-Young-to- Run bill, tasked the party to do its part in ensuring the conduct of credible elections in 2019.

He, therefore, advocated the “regular and adequate funding” of INEC to enable the commission discharge its responsibility to the people.

In another development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kogi State Chapter, has tasked the INEC to ensure that all suppliers of substandard card readers that almost marred the 2015 general elections are prosecuted and made to refund the money.

The Kogi State CAN Chairman, Bishop John Ibennu, who gave the charge yesterday during a courtesy visit to the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. James Apam, said they should be made to pay heavy damages.