- He accused the electoral umpire and one of its national commission of perpetrating illegality and causing problems for the party in the state
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) says it will not accept its exclusion from the re-run elections in Jos, Plateau state capital.
The development caused squabble at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) head office in Jos when the party discovered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not include its name on the ballot papers for by-election.
The exclusion of the party’s name was discovered during inspection of the sensitive election materials by party officials and INEC representatives.
John Akans, the state publicity secretary of PDP, who was present at the inspection venue, protested stating that his party would not accept such.
He accused the electoral umpire and one of its national commissioner of perpetrating illegality and causing problems for the party in the state.
“We have identified you as the National commissioner of INEC. Let us see how you are going to conduct these elections. You have been our problem in Plateau. You either go back or do the right thing. Don’t take us for granted in this country. You are perpetrating illegality.”
“Is that what the oath of office you took states? Is that what the constitution says? Let us see how you will do it. You will meet us in the field, ” Akans said while referring to the INEC National Commissioner, Muhammed Kudu Haruna.
Responding, Malam Haruna said the commission held a stakeholders’ meeting with all political parties on January 9, and was informed that the party would not participate in the elections.
He added that the Appeal Court judgement had disqualified the PDP from participating in the elections
INEC is conducting re-run election for the Jos North Senatorial District and Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, on February 3.