BY ROSEMARY NWAEBUNI
THE Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Bar. Kingsley Esiso, yesterday, flayed the allegation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State that they boycotted the Local Government Polls because it was compromised.
Esiso, who spoke with The Pointer in a telephone conversation noted that the election went on peacefully and smoothly without any form of hindrance.
Speaking on APC’s allegation that they boycotted the election because it was already compromised by the PDP, Esiso said that crying wolf for fear of defeat has always been a major characteristic of APC in the State.
He disclosed that the APC never for one day campaigned or canvassed for votes from Deltans, but chose that the only way to make an excuse for their defeat was to accuse the PDP. “I am aware that Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) recruited Deltans being used as ad-hoc staff but not to my knowledge that any of them are PDP card-carrying members”, he said.
Debunking APC’s allegations of recruiting PDP card-carrying members as ad-hoc staff, DSIEC Chairman, Sir Raphael Agbaike revealed that vacancies for various ad-hoc staff positions were advertised and thrown open to all and sundry, but, except political party card-carrying members.
He noted that many interested persons including civil servants, civil society organizations, and corps members were all trained. He added that only those who fell within the field required were selected at the end as ad-hoc staff for the election. “I can tell you that the allegation of the APC is false”, he added.
On denial of access to electoral material, Agbaike disclosed that electoral materials were kept with the Central Bank, and had the Commissioner of Police, other security agencies, accredited observers and representatives of political parties present during the inspection process. “No political party was denied access”, he said.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Warri South and Ughelli orth Local Government Areas, boycotted the Council elections, claiming a lack of confidence in DSIEC conducting credible elections.
The Warri South Chairman of the party, Mr. Mario Owumi said it was the wish of APC in the LGA to peacefully protest by boycotting the polls for lack of trust in the State electoral umpire. Owumi alleged that his party was denied access to inspection of voting materials.
Speaking also, the Delta South Senatorial Chairman of APC, Austin Oribioye flayed the process alleging that it was devoid of equity and fairness.
The party’s Chairman and Secretary in Ughelli North, Hon. Obokpororo Onoabedje and Barr Mrs Beauty Ubogun-Nze said they refused to participate in the election alleging that PDP card-carrying members were recruited as ad-hoc staff. “We believe that free and fair elections are integral to democratic processes”, they added.
