We will resist rigging, manipulation ― PDP

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it would deploy all strategies to checkmate the alleged plans of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to rig and manipulate the 2019 general election.

The National Vice Chairman (South West) Dr Eddy Olafeso, who stated this in Akure, Ondo state capital, during the inauguration of the Atiku Campaign team in the state, said the ruling party has shown increasing desperation in rigging the forthcoming election and returning to power at all costs.

Olafeso said: “People must be vigilant. We are going to be watchful too because whatever happens to Nigeria, happens to the whole world.

“On our own part, we are educating not only the voters, but we are also educating members of our party, our agents that they must pay attention to what they are supposed to do on the day of voting. We are very confident that Nigerians will do needful and ensure that rigging did not take place.

“In Africa not quite long, the peoples’ will prevail. Nobody in the 21st century can lay claim to authoritarian, It is not going to work here because our people will overcome in the final analysis.”

Speaking on the electoral guidelines by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Olafeso said the electoral guidelines would ensure a free and fair election but noted that the President has been protecting himself and his party because they have seen the handwriting on the wall that they would lose the re-election bid.

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He said: “The electoral guidelines if follow through, can bring victory. The truth is that APC knows how to break laws. No matter the guidelines you put out there, they may want to subvert it.

“That is why we are saying we are not going to give in to that and we are going to look at every area in the process that will lead to the final balloting.”

The National Vice Chairman, also disclosed that all internal crisis within the party would be resolved before the election, noting that the Ogun state gladiators have closed ranks and decided to work together in the overall interest of the party.

He expressed optimism that the Ekiti crisis would also be resolved in no distance period and peace would soon return into the party again.

He said: “We are doing everything to resolve all crisis within the party. The Ogun crisis has been resolved. I spoke with both parties from Ogun today, especially Senator Buruji Kashamu and Ladi Adebutu. It is a wonderful development that we have been able to unify our people at this moment.

“In Ekiti state, peace is a process and we are looking at ensuring that everybody works together. Political parties are about disagreeing to agree and I am very confident that the main issue is the victory of the party and there is an understanding between Fayose and Olujimi that the PDP must win in Ekiti.”

The Directly General of the campaign in the state, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, said the party has commenced sensitisation of electorates especially people at the grassroots saying voters are now politically conscious more than before.

Jegede said: “We are going to take the message to the grassroots in the nooks and crannies about the brand called Atiku. It is time for the country to get back to the business of good governance.

“That is why we believe that Atiku is the man for the job now. We need someone that will generate employment opportunities and bring in funds. Let there be jobs, let there be peace in this country. It is about the love of the country.”

He said further, “We will continue to let our people know that we need a free and fair election and not only talking about integrity, you must demonstrate it, you must ensure you have a level playing ground.

“Security agencies must be allowed to do their work, INEC must be allowed to do its job and people must be allowed to vote. The results of this election must be announced, that is the point. It is about this country.”