The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has disassociated itself from the position of the State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) which called for the boycott of the Saturday re-run election for excluding the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Recall that the State Chairman of IPAC, Dogara Abubakar, threatened that all political parties in the state would boycott the Saturday election if the PDP was not allowed to participate in the re-run election.
The state chapter of the APC, in a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Mr. Slyvanus Namang, said the claim of the IPAC chairman that the Appeal Court, in its ruling that nullified the election of Simon Mwadkon and Musa Agah, stated that all parties would participate in the rerun election, is far from the truth, as the respected jurists could not, by any stretch of imagination, contemplate that a party that does not exist in the eyes of the law would participate in an election that runs contrary to their very same judgment.
It pointed out that the APC perceived the so-called press briefing by the IPAC Chairman as self-serving and a mere expression of personal views that has no bearing on the position of the APC as a political party, adding that the whole statement smacks of contempt of court and an affront to the integrity of the judiciary as well as a derogation of the constitutional role of the INEC.
“This is a manifest and gross betrayal of trust by Alhaji Dogara Abubakar, as no such meeting was held. We want to clearly dismiss his claim as that of a political merchant and a PDP apologist, which, in a sane democratic climate, means he should immediately resign from the position as he has betrayed the confidence of political parties in the state.
“This calls to question why his party has allowed him to remain the SDP Chairman for over 18 years! When has IPAC become a law unto itself?”
The party also condemned the emotional outburst of the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. John Akans, that the election will not take place on Saturday, adding that the statement was a threat to democracy and peace in the state.
It called on the security agencies to act immediately and proactively to stem the tide before the state is thrown into another cycle of violence and disruption to the peace of Plateau State, adding that the APC and peace-loving people of Plateau State would not take excuses for an answer as to be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“The rerun and bye-elections are taking place in 18 states of the federation. That of Plateau State, like other states, should be allowed to run its full course.
“We are perturbed that a supposed ruling party whose duty it is to protect lives and property in addition to maintaining peace would be threatening rain, thunder, and brimstone! Should anyone holding an egg in his hands allow it to break?’” asked APC.
It, however, pointed out that the APC in the state is fully prepared for the Saturday rerun election and called on the security agencies to provide adequate security to all INEC officials and ad hoc staff involved in the election.
