AC, DPP Move To Merge

The AC and DPP in Plateau have set up a joint committee to work out modalities for the two political parties to merge into one ahead of the 2011 general elections.

State Secretary of DPP Emmanuel Dashe told newsmen in Jos that the two political parties were ready to constitute a formidable opposition capable of wrestling power from the ruling PDP.

“The joint committee has gone round the 17 local government areas in the state to sensitise members of both parties on the new development.

“We are confident that we will sweep the polls in Plateau if the AC and the DPP merge into one, provided there is a free and fair contest,’’ he said.

The secretary expressed confidence in the ability of INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega to conduct free, fair and credible elections based on his track record.

According to him, if given the free hand to operate, the new INEC helmsman will conduct credible elections that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.

He, however, expressed regret over the inability of the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) to conduct credible local council polls in 2008, a development, he said, plunged the state into violent conflict.

Dashe said that the victory of AC and DPP in many councils at the tribunal was an indication of what to expect in 2011 if the election was free and fair.

Dashe called for the scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions, alleging that incumbent governors had always used them to rig elections.

He suggested that INEC should be empowered to conduct council elections, “especially now that its leadership appeared credible’’.

“That is very necessary to check the excesses of the governors,’’ he said.

He, however, cautioned Jega not to take “the goodwill of Nigerians” for granted but strive to write his name in gold by living up to the expectations of the people.

The DPP scribe also warned “desperate politicians” not to test the will of the electorate by contemplating rigging in 2011 as many Nigerians were more determined to defend their votes and make sure they counted.