The Kogi State Government has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its candidate, Senator Dino Melaye, to disrupt Saturday’s supplementary election for Kogi West senatorial district.
The State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, made this allegation while addressing reporters in Lokoja on Friday.
He claimed that the government had credible intelligence reports that two different meetings were held in the state where the plans were reportedly hatched.
He said, “The PDP and its candidate have resolved to hijack INEC sensitive materials not to get to polling units. This is to force INEC to cancel or postpone the election.
“They are equally about now to discourage voters from coming out on Saturday to exercise their franchise.
“As a state, we have informed relevant security agencies particularly the the police, DSS and the civil defence. “Security agencies are therefore called upon to take this very seriously.
“However, if they carry out their evil intentions, the PDP and its candidate, Dino Melaye should be held responsible. Omodara called on the public, particularly electorate in the wards and units that the elections are to take place not to be deterred but come out to exercise their franchise.
He urged the security agencies to be up and doing and provide a conducive atmosphere for peaceful elections in Kogi West senatorial district and in Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, warning that “perpetrators of violence would certainly be brought to book”.
But reacting, PDP Chairman for Kogi West senatorial district, Barr. Kola Ojo, described the allegations leveled against the party and its candidate as contradictory and mere propaganda by the APC-led state government to divert people’s attention from what they have in stock.
“Does the PDP have the capacity or any support to cause any disruptions? Is the PDP in power? They are setting the stage for whatever they want to do. They are setting their own agenda,” he said.
He added that the PDP and its candidate have used all legal means to present its issues to INEC and also filed suit as law abiding party, saying the PDP does not believe in violence to get to power as allegedly being done by the ruling party in the state.
