APC Alleges PDP Plans To Use Monarchs, Others to Rig

THE Taraba state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has frowned at the alleged plans by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to compel traditional rulers to deliver their domains to the PDP in the forthcoming governorship poll slated for April 11.

It was yesterday alleged by the leadership of APC in the state that plans to use traditional rulers to ensure victory for PDP come next Saturday has been uncovered.
Briefing journalists in Jalingo, the state chairman of APC, Hassan Jika Ardo, said: “We have received reports across the state that some PDP stalwart are going around threatening traditional rulers to deliver the areas to PDP, or be thrown out of their thrones.”
But when contacted, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the PDP, Mr.Napoleon Adamu, denied the allegations.

According to him “ as I am talking to you, I have not heard anywhere that our traditional rulers are been threatening by our party,” adding “ there is no warnings like that.”

Meanwhile, The Guardian learnt that various volunteer groups have tightened their belts to ensure victory for the PDP, come April 11.
Among some such group, The Guardian observed moving from house to house, village to villages and local government councils, is the Arc. Darius Ishaku volunteer groups.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian yesterday in Jalingo, coordinator of the groups, Joseph Vesinadzem said the victory of Gen. Buhari at the presidential election is “ a signal for us to re-organise ourselves and work hard for the victory of PDP governorship candidate.”

The APC chairman alleged plan by the PDP to induce some members of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and military to rig the elections in favour of the PDP.

Ardo said as “we reliably gathered that PDP has as well decided to hold meeting with INEC to deliver the state”, the need for “INEC to remain resolute” by ensuring “ free, fair and credible election in the state”, can no longer be overemphasised.

“INEC has agreed to delivered PDP in the state. They said they have enough money to bribe INEC. We have received information that some of the army officers have become returning officers for PDP in the state too,” Ardo added.
Ardo also pointed an accused finger at one of the serving ministers from the state for allegedly establishing “ another collation centre outside that of INEC.”

“Some of the traditional rulers” according to the APC leader “ have cried out to us that they are presently being threatening by some PDP stalwarts to deliver their domains to PDP in next week elections, or lose their crowns.

One of the village heads, who spoke to The Guardian on the issue, confirmed receiving such threat as well from “ PDP leaders in my local government.”

Adamu also denied any meeting with INEC and security officials with PDP to rig the elections, stating that “we have our liaison officer and he has not told us such a thing.So please ignore all the allegations, because PDP can never involve in such dirty deals.”