APC alleges plot to disrupt Lagos by-election

By Emmanuel Awosika

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos Chapter, has raised the alarm of what it calls a plot by unscrupulous elements to foment violence in the by-elections holding Lagos East Senatorial District and Kosofe Constituency II.

This was disclosed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, who released a statement alleging that some unnamed individuals were organising thugs to disrupt the elections.

Oladejo said the plot was to discourage legitimate voters from exercising their franchise, and asked security operatives to resist such moves.

He also revealed that some candidates had concocted schemes to buy votes during the election.

He, however, called on security operatives to apprehend anyone out to disrupt the exercise, while urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the elections were free and fair.

The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to certain developments that are capable of disrupting the by-elections for Lagos East Senatorial district and the Lagos State House of Assembly for Kosofe 2 slated for this Saturday (tomorrow).

“The members of APC in the areas where the elections will be conducted have observed the unusual mobilisation of hoodlums and miscreants from within and outside the state to disrupt the electoral process in polling areas where the PDP will likely return poor results.

“Similarly, arrangements have been concluded to buy votes which negate the provision of the electoral laws.

“Our intelligence revealed the conclusion to pay the sum of N5, 000 per vote to undermine the process. Therefore, we are calling on the security agents to be vigilant to arrest any situation that is capable of disrupting the electoral process and INEC to remain impartial and deliver on their responsibility to the nation.

“Our members and supporters are hereby enjoined to protect their votes in the best interest of our nascent democracy.”