By: TUNDE BOLAJI –MINNA.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Niger State chapter has challenged the recent insensitive appointment of the Niger State Electoral body Chairman and six other members who are all APC stakeholders from their LGAs.
The main opposition Particularly noted the appointed Chairman of the commission, who was a former APC State Chairman who was removed and allegedly detained at the State Police Command for a few days for misappropriation of funds.
The State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman Niger North Senatorial District, Honourable Yahaya ABILITY raised this observation in Minna while addressing the newsmen.
He stated that “this appointment cannot be accepted because if a man that was sent packing by his party heads this honorable commission, then other parties will be marginalized and oppressed in the forthcoming elections.”
Honourable Yahaya Ability further reiterated that where is the justice in this appointment? Where is the love for the people the Governor swore to serve?
He also said that ‘”Mr. Governor, His Excellency, Honourable Umar Mohammed Bago, your decision to appoint the former APC Chairman as the Niger State INEC Boss is a clear violation of fairness and democratic principles because during the PDP administration, particularly under Governor Engr. A.A. Kure, the State INEC Chairman was Alhaji Maman Auna, a neutral civil servant, during His Excellency Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, the Chief Servant, it was Alhaji Danlami Dallatu, a neutral person, even during your party man the former Governor, His Excellency Abubakar Sani Bello, it was Alhaji Baba Aminu, a Civil Servant, ensuring free and fair elections. Why is your own different, imposing your will on the people without carrying everyone along. We disagree with this.”
“By appointing a known APC member to oversee elections in the state, you are undermining public trust and creating fear among Nigerlites who wish to contest.
“This move signals an unfair political advantage for the ruling party and contradicts the essence of democratic governance.
“Your Excellency, where is the justice in this appointment? Where is the love for the people you swore to serve? The Nigerian constitution upholds impartiality in electoral processes, and this decision goes against its spirit.
“No opposition party can confidently participate in elections under an electoral body led by a member of the ruling party. ”
Honorable Yahaya Ability further states that how do you expect the local Government Election to be free and fair if a card-carrying member of a political party would be appointed to man the commission?
As such, the People’s Democratic Party urges the Governor to reverse this appointment immediately to restore public confidence and ensure a level playing field for all.
Niger State deserves fairness, not a system that tilts the electoral process in favor of one party. In truth, we stand. Truth must be spoken to power and this is the time for truth to be upheld.
