Rerun Polls: PDP Condemns Abe’s Comments On INEC

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), has alleged  that as the coast becomes clearer for the conduct of the Rivers National and State Assemblies re-run elections, which have been rescheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), for July 30, 2016,  the All Progressives Congress, (APC) candidate for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Magnus Abe, was not ready for the exercise following his expressed fears of losing in the contest.
The PDP chairman in Rivers State, Bro Felix Obuah, referring to a statement credited to  Abe, and dated July 3, 2016, in which he declared that he does not believe there would be an election in the state, criticised Abe’s position, and indeed, body language of the aspiring senator, wondering why he would think that he can dictate to the commission what to do and who to conduct the election.
The Tide recalls that Abe had in his statement issued in Port Harcourt, alleged that the present INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers State, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, would not be fair, a position that raises some questions on the real intention and expectation of Abe, who during the previous exercise on March 19, was comfortable with the same man.
Obuah stated that Abe’s latest call for the change of INEC State REC as a clear demonstration of his fears of losing at the election, and would want to do everything possible, including blackmailing the system, to enhance his chances of, at least, securing some votes. He alleged  that the people of that senatorial district have made their decision on who to vote for, favouring the PDP and its candidate, Senator Olaka Nwogu.
“For us, Abe’s position on whether he would contest or not is not an issue, but it would be wrong if one drowning man is allowed to dictate for a supposedly independent umpire like the INEC. A wrong precedence should therefore, not be set, and that’s the reason we remain resolute that only the right and proper thing be done”, Obuah added.
“Again, it is also instructive that following Abe’s apprehension, the APC could urgently explore any available means in substituting him with a more courageous candidate and someone that is ready to contest the elections”, the PDP suggested.
“Our argument, the PDP explains, is based on the already stated fact by Abe in his statement that the decision to participate in the election is entirely that of the party, not the individual.
Obuah, therefore, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), and other relevant government agencies not to be swayed by Abe’s seeming threat, but to ensure the election is free, fair and peacefully.
“As a party, we are following up events and would continue to be responsible in our electioneering activities, but would resist to be cowed by any action considered undemocratic and illegal”, he added.