Joshua Omoloye, Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has listed neutrality of security agencies of the Federal Government among other fears that may make or mar the credibility of the coming 2023 general election.
The party’s position was predicated on the alleged partisanship of officers and men of the various security agencies in previous elections in the country.
National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyiorchia Ayu expressed this fear on Thursday while hosting the visiting team of the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria.
He also said the democratic process and supporting institutions have been on the decline under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
He bemoaned the neutrality of the security agencies, insisting that the agencies have continued to demonstrate partisanship during elections.
Addressing the EU delegation, the national chairman said key operators of the electoral process, including the security agencies are being manipulated by agents of ruling party, thereby violating the sanctity of the ballot.
He said: “We have consistently worked hard as a broad based political party, mobilised people, not just to canvass for votes, but to ensure that we defend the votes against any anti democratic tendencies.
“It is on that note, that in spite of willingly handing over to the current ruling party in 2015, we have seen a decline in those values which we promoted as a political party, including the establishment and creation of certain institutions that were meant to strengthen democracy in this country.
“Therefore, we are very worried that instead of strengthening the democratic process to serve the people of this country, we are seeing a sustained decline in those democratic processes.
“Conduct of elections, use of security services to attack judges and other citizens, instead of protecting them and to preserve the electoral process.
“We have evidence and I will stand by our position. We are happy that these are not just empty pronouncements.
“You have the 2019 election report, which you have read. It showed clearly some of those problems that we are complaining about and which we will keep complaining about as long as these practices are sustained.
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“We believe that justice was not done in the 2019 election and we have the evidence. Now that we are moving towards another election in 2023, it’s very important that we stress the need for the electoral umpire to be genuinely independent and not one to be manipulated”.
The party chair alleged manipulation by the APC in recently conducted council elections in the federal capital territory, a constituency election in Imo and another state election in Cross River state.
Dr. Ayu asked the EU team to focus on the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states scheduled to hold in June and July respectively.
“We urge you to take special interest in these elections because they are very important lessons. I believe that what you did in 2019 election, you were able to put down in your observations, which will help them improve on their performance.
“So that when we get to 2023, some of the lapses will be reduced. So we think your visit is very much welcome. No problem with it. And we believe it will help not just Nigerians, but also the world to trust Nigeria. Thank you”, Ayu added.
In her response, Head of the EU delegation, Ms. Maria Arena, said the team had made a report on the 2019 general election containing 30 recommendations.
According to her, the visit to the PDP leadership was part of a follow up process by the Mission with a view to assessing how the recommendations have been taken on board by different authorities in Nigeria.
Ms. Arena said the delegation would meet with as many stakeholders as possible, explaining that similar interaction had already been held with civil society organisations, the media, the government and other political parties.
The delegation described the PDP as very important because the party plays a critical role in the democratic process.
“And so for us, it’s important to to listen to you about the main concerns so that we can review what we have today. Having received your point of view is important for our final report.
“We have noted your submission and we will have a press conference on Friday, to express and to explain the different things that we have seen during this mission”, Arena said.
