LG Polls: Kwara PDP Sure of Victory, Clarifies Court Ruling On Suit Against KWSIEC
By Omowumi Omotosho
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has expressed its unwavering determination to secure victory in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024.
This comes after the ruling made on Tuesday by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja which lifted a restraining order that had prevented the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) from proceeding with the local government elections.
According to the party in a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Adewara, on Tuesday, “the court’s decision was based on the expiration of the ex parte order, which, by law, cannot extend beyond 14 days. While the substantive case challenging the processes of KWASIEC continues, the PDP fully respects the court’s ruling and will proceed with the elections in accordance with the law.”
The party also addressed allegations of contempt against KWASIEC Chairman, Alhaji Baba Okanla, which were dismissed by the court. It explained that “the court overruled the charges due to the alleged inability to serve the process directly on the KWASIEC Chairman,” noting that contempt, being quasi-criminal in nature, requires personal service, which had not been achieved.
In a bid to counter misinformation, the PDP accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of attempting to twist the outcome of the suit.
“We must emphasize that the PDP is not, and has never been, interested in stopping the elections. We have stated this on multiple occasions. Our goal is not to stop the elections which we have long agitated for but we are duty bound to ensure that LG elections are conducted freely, fairly, transparently and in accordance with all laid down rules,” the statement read.
The party however, warned of alleged plans by certain members of the ruling party to manipulate the results, citing reports of plans to “write results ahead of the elections” and prevent election materials from reaching polling units in specific areas.
“We are fully aware of the plans and statements from certain quarters within the ruling party regarding their intentions to manipulate the election results.
“We have received reports of their intentions to write results ahead of the elections and prevent election materials from reaching polling units in some areas. There are even rumors of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers set to be stuffed into boxes on the day of elections,” the PDP stated.
In response to these allegations, the PDP called on security agencies to “swing into action and increase their vigilance around KWASIEC as elections approach.” The party urged authorities to prevent what it described as attempts by “anti-democracy elements” to undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Despite expressing concerns about trust in KWASIEC, the PDP encouraged citizens to participate in the upcoming elections.
“We call on all well-meaning citizens to come out en masse and exercise their right to vote and stand firm by their votes
“Let us show them that the people of Kwara are united and will not be deterred in their pursuit of justice and good governance at the local government level,” the statement read.
