…Says the new Lagos PDP will match the ruling party in their usual games of disenfranchising Lagosians
The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer and the gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as (Jandor) has caution the All Progressive Congress (APC) government in Lagos State to desist from harassing and intimidating Lagosians who are bent on exercising their civic responsibilities.
There were reports yesterday that the APC government and the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are colluding to ensure that Igbo people in Lagos State are disenfranchised from registering and collecting their Permanent Voters Card (PVC). It is gradually becoming a political strategy of the APC in Lagos State to deny the Igbo strongholds in Lagos State from voting during elections.
But reacting to the reported intimidation of Alaba Market Traders who shut their stalls to ensure they register before the closing date, Jandor warned that this time, Lagos PDP will not put itself in the defensive unlike what used to happen in the past. Jandor charged the Commission on the need to take proactive measures in forestalling rising incidences of glitch in the exercise.
Gbenga Ogunleye, Head, Media & Communications Jandor 2023 Campaign Organisation in a statement said Jandor frowned at the rising complaints from Lagosians at various registration centers across the state on the slow pace of the registration exercise require urgent attention. Some Lagosians in Amuwo Odofin, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo and a few other local government areas in Lagos West Senatorial district yesterday expressed disappointment over their inability to register for the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) due to what they described as deliberate attempt by INEC officials in collaboration with the ruling party to disenfranchise them.
Traders from Alaba International Market who shut the market yesterday to allow them to participate in the continuous voters’ registration exercise were frustrated with the lackluster performance of the INEC officials. It was reported that some of these traders were attacked by politically motivated thugs because of their perceived sympathy for the PDP.
Jandor called on INEC to respond swiftly to the reactions of these set of Lagosians who are willing to perform their civil obligation before the deadline set for the exercise. He also sent a strong warning to the APC sponsored thugs to desist from molestation of Lagosians who are fed up with the misrule of the ruling party.
Jandor however expressed his excitement over the impressive turn out of traders in Alaba International Market, ASPANDA, Trade Fair, Ladipo market, among others. He commended their selfless sacrifice for declaring a work-free day, and for others who took time off from their private engagement in order to get their PVC which will enable them to participate in the 2023 elections. He assured them that any attempt to attack or disenfranchise them henceforth will be met with stiff resistance.
