by Ola Williams
In anticipation of the 3rd February Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency bye-election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Hon. Olalekan Bada Campaign Organisation have extended invitations to civil society organizations and election observers across the country to come to Akoko and monitor the election.
Hon. Olalekan Bada, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard bearer in the upcoming bye-election, emphasized the importance of monitoring the election in Akoko as a means to assess the development of the nation’s democracy.
The campaign organization conveyed this message in a statement issued in Ikare on Sunday, signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Prince Oluseyi Sanni.
According to Sanni, observing the bye-election firsthand in Akoko would allow civil society organizations to witness how political office holders may abuse their positions and institutions.
“We have learned that the embattled Minister of Interior, Mr. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, allegedly invaded Victory College Ikare, the venue of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, with men and officers of the paramilitary organizations under his ministry. There is a strong likelihood that he may want to repeat the feat again. We invite all patriotic Nigerians to take interest in this bye-election,” stressed Sanni.
“We also invite foreign observers and election monitoring groups to stop over and see things for themselves. We want them to come and confirm how taxpayers’ money is being used to pursue personal interests and how government officials are trying to militarize the political environment,” he added.
Meanwhile, with the countdown to the 3rd February Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency bye-election underway, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also challenged the standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ife Ehindero, to a public debate on who should represent Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency.
Prince Sanni, in a statement issued in Ikare Akoko, highlighted that the proposed debate would provide electorates in the constituency with the opportunity to assess candidates aspiring to represent them.
“We are confident that a public debate, where aspirants would have the opportunity to state services rendered to Akoko in the past and what they intend to do if given the mandate, and constituents having the opportunity to ask questions from the candidates, would be a veritable ground for electorates to make an informed decision on who is better prepared for the job,” he said.
Sanni further suggested that as part of the Social Responsibility program of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, the University’s Department of Political Science could assist in organizing the debate.
He emphasized the importance of inviting representatives of organized labor, civil society organizations, market women organizations, and students, among others, to listen to the candidates.
