The Kebbi State faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has withdrawn from the local government council elections in the state, scheduled for August 31.
The PDP Chairman in the state, Alhaji Bello Usman-Suru, during a press briefing held in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, made the party’s stand known to the public.
He said: “Having made a wider consultation with some segments of the party membership and prominent elders, it becomes pertinent to inform you that the party is no longer participating in the local government councils elections slated for August 31st, due to the following reasons:
“The Chairman of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) and all the Commissioners are card-carrying members of APC in Kebbi State.
“Therefore, organizing free, fair, and credible elections will be a mirage.
“We voiced our discomfort with their appointments in several communications to the Kebbi State Government and relevant agencies involved in elections management in the state.
“PDP, therefore, doesn’t have any confidence in the leadership of the State Independent Electoral Commission to conduct the elections freely.”
Usman-Suru expressed his concerns regarding the establishment of administrative fees associated with the positions of Chairmanship, Vice Chairmanship, and Councillorship as outlined in the electoral guidelines.
He stated that this measure not only disenfranchised certain candidates but also significantly infringed upon the freedom of choice for candidates, political parties, and the electorate.
The chairman said: “The released election guidelines specified that the administrative fees can be paid up to Aug. 30th, but abruptly shifted backward to Aug. 7th.
“This amounts to changing the rules in the middle of the game and a clear attempt to discourage opposition parties from participating in the elections.
“It is against this background that PDP wishes to inform its teeming supporters statewide that our participation in the elections will only signify acceptance of an illegitimate, fraudulent system, and stage-managed elections as done in the previous exercise conducted in 2022 under the same leadership.”
Usman-Suru urged all members of the PDP in the 21 LGAs to maintain their composure and concentration as they reflect on the current state and future opportunities of the party at local, state, and national levels.
The chairman conveyed his hope that the National Assembly would deliberate on and approve a bill allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to oversee and manage local government elections, ensuring they are free, fair, credible, and widely accepted throughout Nigeria.
