By Busari Kabirat
The Kwara State, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has made known it’s intentions over the forthcoming local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024, says the party is contesting and going to win.
This is coming, following the declaration from the Abuja high court which lifted the restrained order formerly placed on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission, (KWAISEC), on the ground that ex parte’s order expiration cannot be extended beyond 14 days by law.
Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the Kwara State PDP spokesman, had in a statement in Ilorin reacted to the Court’s order says: “While the substantive case challenging the processes of KWASIEC continues, the PDP fully respects the court’s ruling and will proceed with the elections in accordance with the law.
“We are aware that the ruling government has made an attempt to twist this outcome to suit their propaganda and mislead the people.
“We must emphasize that the PDP is not, and has never been, interested in stopping the elections. We have stated this on multiple occasions.
“Our goal is not to stop the elections which we have long agitated for but we are duty bound to ensure that LG elections are conducted freely, fairly, transparently and in accordance with all laid down rules.”
“The PDP is bound by the decision, and we are ready to compete in the elections with full confidence that the people of Kwara are solidly behind us.
“That said, we are fully aware of the plans and statements from certain quarters within the ruling party regarding their intentions to manipulate the election results.”
He alleged that the party has received reports of the ruling party’s intentions to write results ahead of the elections and prevent election materials from reaching polling units in some areas.
Alleging the opponent party of not allowing the election materials get to the polls, he said: “There are even rumors of pre-thumb printed ballot papers set to be stuffed into boxes on the day of elections.”
Party charging security agencies to swing into action and increase their vigilance around KWASIEC as the council elections approach because “the integrity of our electoral system must not be allowed to be bastardized by the anti-democracy elements who found themselves in public office.”
Adding that “while it is clear that trust in the integrity of KWASIEC is at the moment very low, we call on all well-meaning citizens to come out en masse and exercise their right to vote and stand firm by their votes.”
