PDP, Melaye planning to hijack supplementary poll —Kogi Govt

The Kogi State government has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Dino Melaye to disrupt Saturday’s supplementary election for Kogi West senatorial district.

Jerry Omodara, the State Security Adviser, made this allegation while addressing journalists in Lokoja on Friday.

He claimed that the government had credible intelligence reports that two different meetings were held in the state where the plans were reportedly hatched.

He said, “The PDP and its candidate have resolved to hijack INEC sensitive materials not to get to polling units. This is to force INEC to cancel or postpone the election.

“They are equally about now to discourage voters from coming out on Saturday to exercise their franchise.

“As a state, we have informed relevant security agencies particularly the the police, DSS and the civil defence. “Security agencies are therefore called upon to take this very seriously.

READ ALSO: Village head, 39 other suspects arrested in Kaduna for alleged kidnapping

“However, if they carry out their evil intentions, the PDP and its candidate, Dino Melaye should be held responsible. Omodara called on the public, particularly electorate in the wards and units that the elections are to take place not to be deterred but come out to exercise their franchise.

He urged the security agencies to be up and doing and provide a conducive atmosphere for peaceful elections in Kogi West senatorial district and in Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, warning that “perpetrators of violence would certainly be brought to book”.

But reacting, PDP Chairman for Kogi West senatorial district, Barr. Kola Ojo, described the allegations leveled against the party and its candidate as contradictory and mere propaganda by the APC-led state government to divert people’s attention from what they have in stock.

“Does the PDP have the capacity or any support to cause any disruptions? Is the PDP in power? They are setting the stage for whatever they want to do. They are setting their own agenda”, he said.

He said the PDP and its have presented have used all legal means to present its issues to INEC and also filed suit as law abiding party, saying the PDP does not believe in violence to get to power as allegedly being done by the ruling party in the state.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now