‘INEC’s decision is advanced rigging’

Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has described the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Jimoh Ibrahim as the governorship candidate of the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a ploy to rig the election in advance for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fayose, in a statement yesterday, said it was unfortunate for the electoral body to “recognise someone who did not emerge through any known electoral process as the candidate of the PDP”.

He, however, warned Nigerians to resist fascism and undemocratic tendencies allegedly being played out by the Federal Government.

He said: “The APC has decided to rig the Ondo State election even before it is conducted and this is a sad commentary for our democratic process that was near perfection before the advent of this APC government.

“The question to ask INEC is; having accepted the candidate presented by the Makarfi-led PDP National Caretaker Committee for the Edo State election, relying on the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, despite the Abuja Federal High Court order at that time, what has changed? Obviously, it is either INEC is playing double standard or has descended into the arena.

“With the development in Ondo governorship election and the decision of the INEC, it is clear that electoral body is a department in APC-led Federal Government.

“By this development also, I am vindicated that other political parties and stakeholders are now contesting election against INEC.

“Obviously, INEC at every election adopts new strategy to procure undue victory for the APC and it appears that the agenda to turn Nigeria to a one-party state is daily being ruthlessly pursued by these elements not minding if democracy and our country are destroyed.

“With the desperation of the APC cabal and its INEC collaborators, Nigeria and Nigerians face hopelessness.

“I warned and I am still warning that there is danger ahead in all sectors, especially the economy, health, security, and most
importantly, the electoral process.

“However, I must say that I am not disappointed but it will be and remain on record that I warned Nigerians.

“Also, Nigerians should be reminded of how the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) tried in 1983 to annex all states in Nigeria to itself by turning the then Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) to an arm of the party. Result of the NPN’s rape on our democracy was the collapse of democracy then.

“The question is; who will save Nigeria from this tyranny and dictatorship? The way these people are going, Nigerians may wake up into the suspension of the National Assembly and the Constitution sooner than later. Even democratic structures in the 36 states might not be spared.

“It is clear and evident that the judiciary has been badly harassed to submission.

“The so-called progressives should, therefore, be courageous enough to rise against this unabated impunity. They should realise that no one will be spared the moment this emerging fascism is left unchallenged”.