APC vows to resist rigging in Bayelsa gubernatorial poll

• Seeks security vigilance over alleged arms stockpile
As the Bayelsa governorship election draws nearer, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday said it would resist any attempt to rig the poll.

APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena, who spoke with reporters in Abuja, decried arms stockpile in Bayelsa State ahead of the poll.

He said that there were elements of truth in the claim by traditional rulers on arms stockpile in the state, adding that it behoves security agents in the state to closely monitor the operations of their personnel before and during the governorship election.

Nabena said the people of Bayelsa State would defend their votes and reject the PDP’s candidate, Senator Douye Diri, who he alleged is enjoying the backing of Governor Seriake Dickson.

According to him: “Bayelsa State is being transformed to a war zone ahead of the election. Governor Seriake Dickson has seen clearly that defeat is imminent for his candidate and has now resorted to force his will on the people.” Nabena told newsmen Thursday in Abuja during his regular media interaction.

“Recently, traditional rulers in Bayelsa State reported to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the arms stockpile in the state. As the INEC chairman stated, traditional rulers don’t belong to any political party, and they don’t support any candidate, so our security agencies cannot afford to fold their hands on this, we must take their reports very seriously. We have a duty to protect INEC and the voters to ensure free and safe elections.”

“The Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Army Staff must not allow this happen. I call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and particularly the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to monitor deployment of funds.

When asked about the chances of APC considering that the ruling PDP in the state has been in power since 1999, the APC deputy spokesman said Bayelsans were currently rooting for change.

“This coming governorship election in Bayelsa State is not about being in power for years, it is about people saying they are tired of inefficient and lack of development that has dragged the state backward. The people want change and they are ready to embrace APC fully in this November 16, 2019 governorship election,” the APC chieftain stated.