Presidential Poll: PDP’s Pullout Threat Good Riddance, Says Ekiti APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has described the threat by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to suspend its campaigns for the 2019 general elections as a prayer answered among Nigerians.
It also wonders why a purely judicial matter suddenly becomes a matter for INEC, resulting in threat to boycott polls.
In a statement in Ado-Ekiti by the State Publicity Secretary, Ade Ajayi, the party expressed shock at the PDP’s threat to suspend campaigns for the general election, saying that except there are other reasons or motives behind the action, a purely judicial matter should not escalate into a poll boycott.
He said that by that threat, PDP leaders are confirming the public perception that the CJN is likely to be a leader of PDP, hence the anger within the party’s ranks.
He also said that having run the country aground over the years, PDP’s boycott of the 2019 general election “could as well be a good riddance to bad rubbish after PDP leaders ran the country aground to force Nigerians to eat from the dustbins”.
Ajayi also added that there is no law that forces political parties to participate in elections, noting that electoral process is a matter of free choice, according to the constitution.
His words: “Nigerians will be at great pleasure if their nemeses throw in the towel to allow patriotic Nigerians in over 70 other political parties take charge of their affairs for good governance devoid of PDP’s legendary corruption and callousness.
“It is baffling that PDP is raving over spirited efforts to stamp out corruption in the nation’s life, and we suspect that PDP’s anger is derived from the premise that their interest is being threatened by President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war instead of joining forces to fight corruption.
“It is also baffling that PDP members that did not see anything bad in the victimisation of the innocent Justice Ayo Salami are the ones now blowing hot when the law is taking its course after Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen confessed to a bewildered nation that he forgot to declare that he has 55 hidden properties and millions of dollars in illegal foreign accounts.
“But PDP should note that over 70 parties are contesting the general elections and so its pulling out will have no effect except that Nigerians will be relieved that their nemeses are stepping aside to enable them enjoy good governance.
“Besides, there is no law that forces political parties to participate in elections, and except PDP is seriously at a disadvantage with the Onnoghe’s matter or it has other plans that are hidden from Nigerians, then a threat to withdraw from the race is a ridiculous blackmail or an admission of defeat as President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval rating soars across the country while PDP’s candidate receives cold shoulders everywhere he goes as a result of his past records.
“It is noteworthy that just two days ago, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, who is presidential candidate of ACPN, announced her withdrawal from the presidential race and no crime has been preferred against her except that INEC said it is too late to do so but without penalties.
“PDP leaders that ruined the nation over the years cannot stand between good governance and Nigerians who have reposed their confidence in Buhari for national salvation where all Nigerians can attain the heights of their potentialities.”
Ade Ajayi
Publicity Secretary
January 27, 2019