Stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are insisting that security agencies should not interfere in the electoral process during the Ekiti State governorship election on July 14.
Rivers State Goveror Nyesom Wike, Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and PDP National Chairman Prince Uche Secondus, in their speeches yesterday, during the commissioning of the 1.3 kilometre Ado-Ekiti flyover and new governor’s office, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to allow the conduct of a free, fair and transparent general election in the country in 2019.
Secondus said: “The PDP has demonstrated that it can conduct free and fair primary; all we are asking for is that the coming elections should be free and fair.
“We are asking the Federal Government to allow the coming elections to be free and fair for the world to see that Nigeria is moving forward.
“Any attempt to rig is a recipe for crisis. I hope it will not start from Ekiti. The 1983 crisis started from Ekiti and the (77-man APC) Committee should show us what they have done.
“They should not come and rig election here. We are asking them that it should be one man, one vote. President Buhari should allow one man, one vote.”
On his part, Wike said: “This loyal and humble deputy governor (Olusola) will continue with the good work of Fayose.
“Ekiti people will vote for him because of what he can offer.
“The only thing they (APC) have is to rig election. They have told us the election will be free and fair. When election comes, don’t give them any chance; go and protect your votes.
“They said they have set up a Committee of 77, what is our business with that?
“If you say they will not intimidate you, it is a lie. But I want to charge our security men to allow for a free and fair election.”
While Dankwambo said: “If politics is about development, we need not campaign in Ekiti State. Politics is about development and that is what we stand for.
“I believe the person that has emerged as our candidate here will do more and more than Fayose. He is experienced and he has learnt a lot and he will deliver.”
Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose boasted that the APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, would be defeated at the Ekiti governorship election despite the instruments of coercion that would be deployed in his favour.
He said: “Whether they like it or not, you (Olusola) are the next governor. If they like, let them bring their Army and Police, they are wasting their time.
“It is your time to shine. Battles are not won by the strength of the Army. You are a divine candidate on a divine assignment.
“I am proud to say I believe in you.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, inaugurated the 1.3 kilometre Ado-Ekiti Flyover.
Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel and Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, were also at the event.
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