Kwara PDP Berates APC over Violence in Guber Primaries

By Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State yesterday berated the leadership of  the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state over series of  violence that marred its Saturday’s governorship primaries.

 There was pandemonium in many parts of the state, particularly Ilorin, as political thugs attacked various wards where the APC primaries took place, shooting sporadically into the air and eventually disrupting the exercise.  

 Journalists that covered the primaries were attacked by the political thugs suspected to be APC members at Oko-Erin ward located at Ilorin Grammar School, Ilorin. Those affected were the correspondents of Channels TV, AIT, TVC and their cameramen.

 In a statement  issued yesterday by the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Tunde Ashaolu, the party noted that it was shameful that a party which prides itself as a ‘progressive party’ could not conduct a violence-free primaries.

 The statement read: “We received reports that hoodlums were moving from one polling unit to the other, shooting sporadically and attacking those perceived to be opponents. These violent attacks have further exposed the violent tendencies of the APC. 

“Today’s events also show that APC is a party that breeds hoodlums, and further demonstrates its large-scale violence planned for 2019 general election in the state. We are certain that the peace-loving people of Kwara State will reject a violent party.

“As a party, we call on security agencies to investigate this ugly development and arrest perpetrators to prevent further breach of peace and public order in our state.”   

The PDP added that vote-buying and systematic rigging were brazenly perpetuated during the APC governorship primaries, stressing that these have clearly shown how dubious and desperate the opposition politicians are to grab power. 

“We strongly believe that the high cost of nomination forms of the APC is responsible for the desperation and show of shame within the party. An individual who paid over N22.5 million to obtain a nomination form is bound to do everything possible no matter how untoward it is to get the party’s ticket.”