From Leo Zwànke, Lafia
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State has officially announced its decision to boycott the upcoming Local Government Chairmanship and Councillorship elections scheduled for November 2, 2024. This decision was reached during a State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting held yesterday at the PDP Secretariat Complex in Lafia.
In a communique issued after the meeting, the PDP outlined several reasons for its withdrawal from the elections. The party cited a lack of trust in the credibility of the Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission (NASIEC) and accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democratic processes.
“The NASIEC has not provided the opposition parties with substantial reasons to build confidence in the credibility and fairness of the election,” the communique stated. Furthermore, the PDP criticized the N1.5 million fee set by NASIEC for candidate registration, describing it as an insensitive move by the APC-led government in light of the current economic hardship.
“This exorbitant sum of N1.5 million for candidate registration clearly indicates that the APC-led government is insensitive to the economic struggles of the people. This fee essentially bars the common man from participating in the election,” the communique added.
Another significant concern raised by the party was the Nasarawa State government’s failure to amend the Electoral Bill. The PDP stated that the bill should allow election results for councilor positions to be announced at the ward level and those for chairmanship positions at the local government headquarters. The party believes this failure indicates that the ruling party may engage in “unimaginable electoral fraud.”
“Since the state government has not amended the bill, it implies that the APC will continue its usual practices of electoral fraud. Therefore, the PDP cannot afford to waste its precious time, energy, and resources on an election where the results are already predetermined,” the statement continued.
In addition to the boycott decision, the SEC meeting made a significant announcement regarding the party’s headquarters in Lafia. The party’s Secretariat Complex was renamed in honor of its pioneer chairman, Ambassador Polycap Azige. This motion was adopted unanimously after being presented by the State Working Committee (SWC).
“This gesture aims to reward the legacy of good leadership and service,” the communique stated, noting that Amb. Azige played a crucial role in establishing the party’s secretariat during his tenure as both interim and substantive chairman.
In a show of solidarity, the SEC passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the State Working Committee, led by Hon. Francis Orogu. The committee praised Orogu’s leadership in ensuring that 98% of the party’s ongoing congresses reached consensus.
The communique concluded with a call for unity within the party, declaring, “We are PDP, stronger together. We are one big family working towards one purposeful goal – PDP First, PDP Always.”
