May 02, (THEWILL) – A frontline governorship hopeful under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa ibom state, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, has called on the people of the state to unite against forces working against true democracy in the state.
The group, who made the passionate appeal against the backdrop of Saturday’s botched election for selection of three-man adhoc delegates, described the exercise as a big sham.
According to a statement from the IDEA campaign office, endorsed by the Secretary, Dr John Obisung, “It is rather unfortunate that our journey towards liberation of Akwa Ibom has started on a shaky note.
“Our people out of enthusiasm after our rigorous consultations of political groups and other stakeholders trooped out enmasse on Saturday to exercise their franchise by electing the 3-man Adhoc delegates for the coming primaries.
“Sadly, desperate politicians and enemies of democracy decided to frustrate our efforts by sabotaging the entire process.”
The statement further read, “The PDP Akwa Ibom State, instead of being on the driver’s seat to liaise with the Ward Congresses Committee from Abuja, to conduct the Congresses, it was the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), a support group of the preferred aspirants of the enemies of democracy that called the shots. This is an aberration.”
The campaign group explained that their principal, Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, was at the ward office as early
as 8 am, with thousands of party faithfuls to elect the Adhoc delegates, but until sunset, neither the materials nor any party official designated to carry out the assignment was sighted.
“The same story emanated from virtually the entire wards across the State”, they explained.
They described the entire exercise of Saturday, April 30, as not only fraudulent, but a nullity, stressing that It is unfortunate that in an era of high political awareness, those who ought to lead by example have descended so low out of desperation to please their pay master to the detriment of the masses.
They further highlighted, “Democracy is about mass participation in choosing our leaders and any act to circumvent it will be resisted within the ambit of the law and every legally accepted means.
They have tested our will power with the last Saturday outing and we must nip this roaring monster in the bud to safeguard the electoral process.
Our candidates at every level must emerge through popular and credible electoral process. We must not give room for the enthronement of mediocrity for the sake of the future of our dear state and country”, they concluded.
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