The National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, has called on world powers to punish Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari and All Progressives Congress (APC) ex-National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.
He made the demand at the PDP National Headquarters on Thursday.
The leader told the media that a visa ban was necessary for their alleged conspiracy to subdue opposition and rig the forthcoming elections in Edo State.
The poll will be held on September 19, 2020
Secondus spoke against the backdrop of the viral video where Gambari and Oshiomhole were allegedly discussing arrest of opposition members.
The presidency had stated that the duo would not do anything to undermine a free and fair exercise.
But Secondus declared that the threat to the nation’s democracy was becoming more and more real by the day.
He called on the National Assembly to call for the tape of the video and examine thoroughly its content with a view to acting appropriately.
Secondus pointed out that the constitution and the Electoral Act are clear on blatant undermining of democracy by clamping down on the opposition.
He said PDP found out alleged efforts of APC leaders to arm-twist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into falling for their moves to shift the election.
“The leaked video, which has been confirmed by the Presidency, says it all, the plan to arrest and keep away all opposition leaders and clear the way for the rigging machinery of APC to roll through.”
The development, he said, was not only shameful but also very unfortunate that the nation’s seat of power housing a democratically elected President has to be used to plan how to inflict harm on democracy.
Secondus called on the INEC and the Judiciary to stand firm in defence of democracy and not yield to the “manipulative tendencies” of APC government.
