…As PDP insists on redeployment of REC over alleged APC ties
…APC has engaged people with development projects, not manipulation — Party Chair
The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) traded words on Tuesday over an alleged plan to compromise Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
While PDP accused the Chairman of APC in the state, Ade Adetimehin of plotting to compromise the process by submitting two persons who are members of APC to every polling unit.
The PDP in a statement issued and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Kennedy Peretei alleged the sinister plans had been unravelled by the party.
Peretei, in the statement, said, “The sinister plan by the Ade Adetimehin-led All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the November 16 Governorship election has been revealed.
“The training of Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers by the Independent National Electoral Commission is a prerequisite for recruiting such ad-hoc staff to function in these capacities.
“Unfortunately, Ade Adetimehin has personally submitted a list of two persons who are APC members per Polling Unit to INEC to serve as Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers, even when these persons did not attend the training.”
But while denying the allegations, the Publicity Secretary of APC, Alex Kalejaye, described the allegations as not only true but unfounded.
Kalejaye, who said the APC is committed to fair play and transparency, said, “It is not true. We don’t have any reason to contemplate compromising the election. We have worked so hard for the people. A series of projects have been launched, and we’re implementing multiple measures to improve conditions for the people.
“We have appealed to the people, and they have shown understanding and willingness to support our party. Therefore, we have no reason to consider compromising the election,” he insisted.
Responding to allegations against the party chairman, Kalejaye dismissed the allegations as baseless and said, “There’s absolutely no reason to do that. Our strategy is to campaign. We are working with the people and reaching every segment of society. Many projects are underway in the interest of economic and social transformation.
“Tomorrow, we’ll hold our grand finale, gathering all the people to share our message. We are confident the people are on our side. We don’t need to take any improper actions to win.”
But Peretei said that “the PDP Ondo State Chapter wishes to alert the public that the APC is banking on compromising the election at all costs, having failed tragically to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“The entire world is watching, and this move by Adetimehin has vindicated our consistent call for the redeployment of Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, who has Adetimehin’s backing in this evil.
“Our party wishes to admonish all actors to play according to the rules. The entire world is watching, and nobody can hide behind one finger.”