The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation has lampooned the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleging that the Federal Government had plans to declare a state of emergency in the country and install and interim government in a bid to stall the February general elections.
The PDP declared that it was not surprised by the allegation by the APC, as the opposition has always been known to dwell on propaganda and false alarms.
Speaking via a statement by the Director of Media and Publicityfor the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Femi Fani-Kayode said the APC was indirectly inciting unnecessary violent reactions from its supporters.
The statement read: “We are not, at all, surprised about the false alarm raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the PDP-controlled Federal Government is planning to declare a six-month state of emergency across the land. It is characteristic of the opposition to make spurious allegations in the build-up to the scheduled February general elections.
“The APC’s penchant for propaganda and threat of violence is mind-boggling. The narrative weaved together by the opposition party is disingenuous and it shows how desperate it has become in its impossible bid to dislodge the PDP-controlled Federal Government.
“It is clear that the APC now knows full well that a crushing defeat awaits it at the February 14 presidential election; otherwise why would it embark on this flight of illusion about a purported plot by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to precipitate violence prelude to the declaration of a state of emergency?
“We state categorically that the PDP is ready for the February 14 presidential elections and all subsequent elections; and is therefore not party to any imagined ploy to postpone or cancel the election.
“At no time has the PDP ever had the power to postpone or cancel elections. Moreover, the PDP has been consistent in stating its readiness for the forthcoming elections.
“We urge our numerous supporters and indeed all Nigerians to discountenance the panic-driven shenanigans of the APC.
“The inalienable right of every eligible Nigerian to participate in the political process of our great country is guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution as amended and the relevant Electoral Laws.
“The PDP has neither the right nor inclination to dictate to anyone, including members of the opposition party, how he or she participates in the electoral process.
“If the APC is afraid that its presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari has fallen foul of the laws of the land, instead of crying wolf he should submit himself to the nearest police for interrogation and prosecution.
“We call on all Nigerians to be vigilant,because by its issuing this outlandish statement, the APC has unwittingly exposed its plot to whip up sentiments and incite the people to violence.
“The forthcoming election is not and should not be a do-or-die affair. We must state clearly that we are not impressed or in the least bit intimidated by their constant, boastful and empty threats. All the promises of violence in the world will not stop us from shaming them on February 14th.
“The PDP is battle-ready and we are confident of victory in a free, fair and credible election on February 14 and 28.”
