By Sam Kayode
There is palpable tension especially among stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Plateau as they go into by-elections Saturday in the northern and central senatorial zones with their logo missing from the ballot paper.
A cross section of residents who called into an interactive phone in program, “Nigeria at sunset” Thursday evening in jos Fm radio station expressed deep disappointment on the fact that their party has been confirmed not to be included on the ballot papers for Saturdays elections.
This reporter found out that the problem arose as a result of a previous court of appeal judgement which disqualified the pdp members of the National Assembly for not having structures on ground.
Most of the young people who called expressed sadness that the politicking of the elders of the party had brought them to the level they found themselves in which such a re-run will be taking place without the PDP.
Consequently, the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chairman on the Plateau Abubakar Dogara confirmed in the same radio program that the entire parties in the state have agreed that an injury to one is the same to all so they were not going to contest saturday’s election.
Abubakar Dogara noted that the position of the association which includes the chairmen of all the political parties in the state is that they should be allowed to participate in the election or nobody will witness any election at all.
The IPAC Chairman in the state revealed that the Appeal Court ruled in its judgement that all the political parties that participated in the last election should be in the re-run election as such he does not understand why the PDP would be exempted from the pending by-elections.
Dogara who is also the Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) on the Plateau, wondered why one of them would be eliminated at this critical time of peace making adding that the decision of the political parties was informed by the current fragile peace.
POLICE COMMAND STEPS UP SECURITY AHEAD OF THE SENATORIAL/HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE ELECTIONS IN SOME COUNCIL AREAS OF THE STATE
Meanwhile in a bid to ensure a hitch-free re-run elections in the affected areas in the State, the Plateau State Command has stepped up security arrangements to protect lives and properties and consequently placed total restriction on all forms of movements across the affected Council Areas which include, Jos North, Jos East, Bassa, Jos South, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs.
A release signed by the police public relation officer (PPRO) Alfred Alabo stated that the restrictions starts on midnight on Friday till the end of the election.
“The restriction will take effect between midnight hours of 3rd February, 2024 to 05:00pm. However, essential workers such as INEC Staff, Election Observers, Medical Personnel and accredited media are exempted from this restriction.
” The Plateau Police helmsman, AlG Okoro. Alawari, reiterates the commitment of the Command to ensuring a successful re-run elections in the affected areas.
” He advised the General public, especially the political class and electorates to cooperate with the Police and other security agencies on election duty for the peaceful conduct of the elections.
” He also warns persons who have no business in RAC Centres, Polling Units and Collation Centres to steer clear of the election premises to
avoid being arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
” The Police boss also warns the Political class and their supporters against making inciting utterances that could disrupt peace in the State.
“In addition, members of the public are encouraged to report any incident to the following Police Emergency Numbers:
07059473022,08038907662, 08075391844, 09053872296
“945 Also, our Complaint Response Unit (CRU) can be reached through the following phone numbers:
08060545670 (PPRO)
08037681026, 08067884627
08069638786, 08066709795″ concluded the release.
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