Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has stated that any attempt to militarize the forthcoming election in the state will not be condoned.
The governor cried out over what he saw as plans from the ruling party to rig Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.
He said that he got credible report that APC leader in Benue, Senator George Akume spoke to APC supporters in a secret meeting that he has asked for military personnel from FG to aid the rigging of the elections this weekend.
Samuel Ortom said, “Part of the plot, we understand, is to use the military to disrupt the elections, chase away voters in areas considered to be strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party and allow hitch-free rigging by the APC.
“Senator Akume boasted during the meeting that there would be no voting in Benue State on March 9 as the APC rigging machinery would ensure that the party gets massive illegal votes allotted to it.
“He has repeatedly stated that the party will not allow free and fair elections in Benue State. Akume anchors his ‘confidence’ on what he and his supporters call “federal might”. They believe that the APC-controlled Federal Government will send security operatives to help them subvert the electoral process to favour their party.
“The embattled Senator said his party had concluded plans to carry out massive thumb printing of ballot papers and altering of results for APC candidates in Benue State and if PDP feels aggrieved, the party should go to court.
“A few days ago, the defeated Senator led APC youths on a rampage within Makurdi and caused the destruction of PDP campaign billboards and posters. The illegal outing also disrupted traffic within the state capital for many hours.
“We find it necessary to draw the attention of the security forces and other stakeholders to these threats by the APC so that urgent preventive measures can be taken to guarantee free and fair conduct of the elections.”
“Any attempt to use the military to manipulate the coming governorship and House of Assembly elections in favour of the APC in Benue State will be resisted.”
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