Boycott of Nassarawa LG polls not because of nomination fees — PDP

The Nasarawa state chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refuted claims that it is withdrawing from the local council polls due to high nomination fees, internal crises, or ongoing legal disputes.

In a statement signed by the party chairman, Francis Orogu, and obtained by Daily Trust in Lafia on Tuesday, the PDP clarified its position on the local government elections.

“We are boycotting the forthcoming local council elections in Nasarawa State because NASIEC has not provided substantial reasons to instil confidence in the credibility, fairness, and equity of the electoral process,” the statement read.

Orogu highlighted that the State Executive Committee (SEC) unanimously agreed that the state government’s failure to amend the State Electoral Bill—preventing the announcement of election results at the ward and local government levels—suggested potential manipulation of the elections.

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He stated, “Since this was not done, it means the APC will likely engage in electoral fraud.”

Responding to allegations of internal strife within the PDP, Orogu asserted, “These claims are unfounded. The majority of our members participated in discussions about the council polls.”

Orogu maintained that the PDP’s withdrawal is primarily due to NASIEC’s lack of independence in conducting the elections, rather than solely the nomination fees.

He emphasised that the party has faced exclusion from meetings related to the elections and insisted that there is unity within the PDP in Nasarawa State.

He concluded, “What is ongoing is a matter concerning party congresses in court, but we remain committed to holding the APC government accountable for its actions.”