APC vows to continue with campaigns

THE  All Progressives Congress (APC) Expanded National Caucus has resolved to continue with its campaigns ahead of Saturday presidential and national assembly elections.

The party in a communique issued at the end of its meeting which was read to newsmen by its national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said it was determined to explore the window created by the postponement.

The ruling party said it would only step down its campaigns 24 hours to Saturday election “in line with the Provisions of Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, which states clearly that campaigns shall stop 24 hours to the elections.”

It further restated its demand for free, fair transparent elections from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The statement signed by Comrade Oshiomhole read in part:” The meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Expanded National Caucus held on Monday, 18th February 2019 at the Party’s National Secretariat and resolved as follows:

“That the Party leadership expressed deep regrets over the unfortunate death of party members due to stampede as a result of overwhelming crowds during the presidential campaigns in some parts of the country.

“The Caucus received with shock and disbelief the last minute postponement of the February 16 elections. The Party reiterated its disappointment over this unfortunate action, considering especially, the repeated assurances by INEC that all challenges would be overcome before the February 16th elections.

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“Notwithstanding the disappointment over the postponement, the Caucus urged all APC members across the country to rise above this temporary setback and recommit themselves to working with redoubled efforts for the victory of all our candidates in the February 23rd and March 9th dates for the elections.

“The Caucus urged all APC members to immediately commence campaigns in line with the Provisions of Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, which states clearly that campaigns shall stop 24 hours to the elections. Our party would, therefore, abide by the provisions of laws.

“Observed that the list of presiding officers in the States and Local Government Areas published by INEC prior to the aborted February 16 elections contained names of mostly the PDP card carrying members and urged INEC to take steps to correct this anomaly to ensure fairness and credibility of the electoral process.

“The Caucus urged the security agencies to step up their activities by ensuring that all those involved in violence, ballot box snatching, and falsification of results should face the full weight of the law.

“Resolved that the February 23rd election date must remain sacrosanct. Issues of logistics and other foreseeable challenges must be addressed to ensure the elections do not suffer any hitch whatsoever.

“The Caucus expressed curiosity over the fact that certain leaders of PDP had full knowledge of the plan to postpone the elections several hours before INEC made the unfortunate announcement. The Caucus, therefore, urged INEC to demonstrate its independence and neutrality beyond doubts in all of its activities before, during and after the period of elections.”