Bayelsa: PDP Says It Uncovers Plot By INEC, Security, To Rig Saturday Poll

Posted by African Examiner Bayelsa, Featured, Latest Headlines Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has alleged its investigations have revealed that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with security forces, intend to rig the forthcoming Bayelsa State Governorship Election election as it allegedly did in October 31, Borno Senatorial bye-election.

The South South State Gubernatorial Election is slated for this Saturday, December 5, 2015.

PDP said the country was aware of the alleged electoral fraud in Borno state where INEC officials and security operatives were allegedly used to “swap results in favour of the APC, a pattern that was repeated in the November 21, Kogi Governorship election”.

The opposition stated owing to its respect for the dead and the fact that it was in court over the Kogi election, it has refrain from making further comments on “obvious infractions by INEC and security forces in the conduct of that election”.

The National Publicity Secretary of the leading opposition, Olisa Metuh at a press conference Wednesday, stressed “Nevertheless, the National Working Committee of the PDP wishes to declare to INEC and all security agencies that the people of Bayelsa state” and its members have been fully rallied in their numbers to combat, head to head, any move by anybody or group whatsoever to rig the December 5 governorship election.

“We wish to make it clear to all, especially INEC officials, both regular and adhoc that the atmosphere in Bayelsa is already charged and that any of them, who in any way allows himself to be used for manipulation would be doing so at his own peril.

“Bayelsans, conscious of the ugly records of brazen doctoring of votes by INEC in favour of APC in the earlier mentioned Borno and Kogi governorship election, are now fully determined to stop the commission in its trail and ensure that such is not repeated in their state.

“We are all aware of the marching order handed down to the new INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at his furtive meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to rig Kogi and Bayelsa elections in favour of APC, but we wish to let the commission know that attempting so in Bayelsa will have huge repercussions. Prof. Yakubu and all INEC officials involved in Bayelsa election must note the fact that the state has unique political characteristics and its resistance level to electoral injustice and fraud comes with dreadful costs.

“INEC should not pretend to be oblivious of the political terrain and volatile nature of Baylelsa state, especially given the recent history of militancy and as such should hold itself responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in the state” Metuh exploded.

The PDP publicist also claimed his party was privy to the fact that some partisan security operatives have been deployed to Bayelsa state to help rig the election, but let it be known that no amount of force could subdue its supporters.

He restated: “Our members and supporters in Bayelsa state are not afraid and cannot be intimidated by guns. They will come out in their numbers to exercise their franchise and to defend their votes fully. We therefore caution the military and other security forces to keep to the dictates of their constitutional role of peripheral security in elections, as any infraction on the freedom and rights of our members and supporters will not only be faced with stiff resistance but will also be dragged to the international court for justice”.

It therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to note that the country could not afford to aggravate an already charged environment, insisting that any attempt to rig the result of Bayelsa election would be a clear invitation to civil unrest in the region, thereby further heating up the polity.

“For purposes of emphasis, Bayelsa is a core PDP state and our overwhelming support base indicates this. Therefore, anything short of the will of the people as evidenced in a transparent process will be vehemently resisted. The PDP insists that for a guaranteed free and fair election, all votes must count; they must be collated and announced at
individual polling units and all security agencies and electoral officers must play by the rule” Metuh retorted.

He also called on all PDP members in Bayelsa to remain vigilant, focused and fearless while the poll lasts.