The All Progressive Congress (APC), Ughelli North Chapter, Delta State has withdrawn its participation from the proposed July 13 local government elections in citing a loss of confidence in the ability of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC), to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
The Ughelli North APC leaders stated this in a press release after an emergency meeting at the party Secretariat at Kom. 27, Ughellil-Patani Road, accused the electoral umpire of recruiting PDP members as ad-hoc staff for the conduct of the election.
The party also alleged that all the board members of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC), are PDP card-carrying members hence they are incapable of being neutral and can’t be independent of the Delta State PDP.
The press release which was signed by the APC Ughelli North party Chairman, Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje, and the Secretary,Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze was tilted: “WITHDRAWAL FROM THE DELTA STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS DUE TO LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE OBOREVWORI’S ADMINISTRATION AND DSIEC TO CONDUCT CREDIBLE ELECTIONS.
It reads thus: “Gentlemen of the press, you may wish to recall that some months ago the Delta State Government through the state Electoral Commission (Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC), announced that it would be holding the Local Government elections on the 13th of July 2024.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC) believes that free and fair elections are integral and essential parts of democratic processes as they provide a chance for citizens to choose leaders who will bring development and growth for the benefit of the people.
However, this is only possible where there is confidence and trust in the electoral process and its leadership. We believe that these qualities are lacking in the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori with Dr. Jerry Agbaike as a mere figurehead.
“Our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) reminiscent of the constitution of the board and recruitment of ad-hoc staff ahead of elections; has carefully studied the process and concluded that the Delta State PDP-led government has grossly undermined the independence of the Delta State Electoral Commission (DSIEC) and therefore, it lacks the moral impetus to superintend any elections.
“The APC and indeed the citizens of Delta cannot forget easily how the media was awash with the accusation of the governor and his cohorts in connivance with officials of the DSIEC recruited card-carrying members of their party, mistresses and girlfriends to serve as members of the electoral umpire and as part of those who will conduct the elections come Saturday, the 13th of July.
A situation we could best describe as being your own judge. “1. All the ad-hoc staff selected by Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) to conduct this local government election slated for Saturday, July 13th, 2024 is are carrying members of a fact Party (PDP).
“It is a fact that all current members of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) are Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) card-carrying members. It is, therefore, evident that the umpires are the same as our opponents in this local government election.
“All extant laws relating to the Local government election are not complied with.
“As of the time of this announcement the supposed umpire of this election, Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has yet to make a pronouncement or announcement on the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials to various Local Governments, wards, and units.
“The above facts confirmed the boast made by the governor of Delta State and the State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party in Asaba where they hosted the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) officials and candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday 10th, July, 2024 that his government will not give any room to opposition parties to have even one seat, whether election holds or not.
“Consequent on the above, the party, All Progressives Congress (APC) Ughelli North Chapter, after due consultations with various stakeholders, candidates and party faithfuls, we hereby inform our teeming supporters/party faithfuls and the general public of our firm decision to boycott the election in entirety,” the statement added.
