The presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has alleged the existence of a plan by some elements in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to foment violence in some states with the aim of forcing the postponement of Saturday’s election.
Making the claim in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Assistant, Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice president added that the alternative plan was to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold staggered rather than simultaneous elections across the country.
The PDP candidate for president emphasised that rigging would be encouraged if polls weren’t held nationwide on the same day.
He said that Thursday’s violence in several areas of Kano was a precursor to the scheme.
At the Kwanar Dangora, which is on the outskirts of Kano City, there was major violence today. The APC is in power in this state. As they did in 2019, when they forced a rerun and then used violence to win, they have already begun using violence.
According to reliable sources, this will also occur in Borno, Yobe, and Kaduna, he added.
Atiku applauded the Nigeria Police Force for detaining and charging Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi, an APC federal lawmaker from Rivers State, who had been seen on video discussing plans to attack state election officials.
In particular, he asked the police in Rivers State, which he described as one of the most explosive during elections, to investigate everything possible before the election.
We applaud the police for detaining and charging Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi, who represents the Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. His statement demonstrates the APC’s big strategy to incite violence on election day.
After failed the Nigerian people, this is their sole plan for retaining power.
Also, he requested that the police keep a tight eye on states like Ebonyi, Cross River, and Imo.
Imo, Cross River, and Ebonyi have historically been PDP strongholds. The police, military, and other security forces must therefore keep an eye on these states to avert unrest, despite the fact that their governors are APC members.
Insurrection and rigging must be avoided, according to the PDP candidate, who applauded the deployment of a sizable number of security agents in Lagos. Local government areas like Oshodi/Isolo, Amuwo Odofin, Eti Osa, Ikorodu, Ojo, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, and Surulere should be on high alert.
