Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation has
slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for whipping up sentiments and
inciting violence ahead of the scheduled February 14 and 28 general
elections.
Director of Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said
in a statement yesterday in Abuja that the APC’s penchant for propaganda
and threat of violence was mind-boggling.
According to Fani-Kayode, “We are not, at all, surprised about the false
alarm raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the
PDP-controlled Federal Government is planning to declare a six-month state
of emergency across the land. It is characteristic of the opposition to
make spurious allegations in the build-up to the scheduled February
general elections.
“The APC’s penchant for propaganda and threat of violence is
mind-boggling. The narrative weaved together by the opposition party is
disingenuous and it shows how desperate it has become in its impossible
bid to dislodge the PDP-controlled Federal Government.
“It is clear that the APC now knows full well that a crushing defeat
awaits it at the February 14 presidential election; otherwise why would it
embark on this flight of illusion about a purported plot by the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) to precipitate violence prelude to the declaration
of a state of emergency?
“We state categorically that the PDP is ready for the February 14
presidential elections and all subsequent elections; and is therefore not
party to any imagined ploy to postpone or cancel the election.
“At no time has the PDP ever had the power to postpone or cancel
elections. Moreover, the PDP has been consistent in stating its readiness
for the forthcoming elections.
“We urge our numerous supporters and indeed all Nigerians to
discountenance the panic-driven shenanigans of the APC.
“The inalienable right of every eligible Nigerian to participate in the
political process of our great country is guaranteed by the 1999
Constitution as amended and the relevant Electoral Laws.
“The PDP has neither the right nor inclination to dictate to anyone,
including members of the opposition party, how he or she participates in
the electoral process.
“If the APC is afraid that its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu
Buhari has fallen foul of the laws of the land, instead of crying wolf he
should submit himself to the nearest police for interrogation and
prosecution.
“We call on all Nigerians to be vigilant, because by its issuing this
outlandish statement, the APC has unwittingly exposed its plot to whip up
sentiments and incite the people to violence.
“The forthcoming election is not and should not be a do-or-die affair. We
must state clearly that we are not impressed or in the least bit
intimidated by their constant, boastful and empty threats. All the
promises of violence in the world will not stop us from shaming them on
February 14th.
“The PDP is battle-ready and we are confident of victory in a free, fair
and credible election on February 14 and 28.”