PDP rejects allegations of militarising election process in Cross River. The governing APC in Cross River State has vigorously refuted the opposition PDP’s denials that it colluded with local police and certain former military generals to import armed troops for this weekend’s governorship poll.
In an interview, Venatius Ikem, the state PDP chairman, denied claims that his party’s officials have been particularly aggressive and that they have been plotting to create havoc and assault APC dignitaries before of the poll.
Alphonsus Eba, the chairman of the APC, had said that the PDP and other party figures were bloodthirsty, equipping soldiers and preparing mayhem, including the potential death of APC leaders.
He declared that the party will vehemently oppose any intimidation of his supporters and members by former law enforcement and military personnel.
The opposition party, PDP, intimidated voters and openly brandished weapons during the presidential election on February 23.
“The opposing party disenfranchised thousands of votes by using former military people who wish to play politics through gangsterism, cultism, and intimidation. This is barbarous and unwholesome.
“We will fight any attempts by a group of former military members to militarize the state’s governor race.
“This time, we are ready and willing to fight back against intimidation in any form.
“I have submitted written petitions requesting action from the Chief of Air Staff and Inspector General of Police over their retired soldiers”
Ikem responded by claiming that the APC chairman was so upset by his party’s colossal defeat that he was sobbing.
“Unlike his Party, we don’t use violence. At the Senate Primary elections, they turned the violence on us. We just responded by outlasting them.
“They attacked us violently once more at the House of Representatives by-elections for the federal constituency elections in Ogoja and Yala. They had a pyrrhic victory for about a year before we went back to the drawing board, blocked all potential points of conflict by deploying enough security, and, despite the incumbent governor being on the ballot, they were soundly defeated. What else would you anticipate him to do than cry?
