The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state said yesterday night that
it had uncovered a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako
West Local Government Area to rig the governorship election in the area.
A statement issued by the Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Nehikhare, said
that the rigging was being coordinated in the Jattu home of the APC deputy
governorship candidate, Honourable Philip Shaibu.
According to the PDP, “We have once again uncovered a grand plot by the
APC in Etsako West LGA, to undermine the will of the people, and to rig
the election tomorrow. “Our sources have verified and confirmed that the
APC deputy governorship candidate, Philip Shaibu, received a consignment
of fake ballot papers earlier this evening in his Jattu home.
“As at 7.30 o’ clock this evening, the ballot papers were being stuffed in
sheets of five in envelopes and handed to recipients who would use them
tomorrow to replace genuine ballot papers, during counting, collation and
transit.
“This grand plot, which our informants confirm is a statewide scheme, is
meant to be carried out in areas where APC believes it has strength, so
that they can return maximun figures.
“However, the plot is not feasible, as we have put everything in place to
ensure that all votes count and no ballot papets or result sheets which
were not authenticated and used at the polling units, can be smuggled in.
“To this end, we call on our agents and supervisors to remain vigilant and
steadfast. We also call on INEC staff to be diligent and neutral, as any
compromise on their part may scuttle the election, which will be
unpardonable, considering what has occured in the recent past in Rivers
and Bayelsa states.
“Finally, we wish to encourage our teeming supporters and members to come
out enmasse tomorrow to vote for our candidate. We also restate that
security is assured and nobody will be harrassed or molested. Vote and
protect your vote.”