‘Mere charade’ — Lagos PDP condemns conduct of elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Lagos state chapter, has condemned the violence and snatching of ballot boxes during the governorship and house of assembly elections in the state.

Some areas in Lagos witnessed attacks by thugs and hoodlums on March 18, leading to the disruption of voting. 

In a statement on Sunday, Hakeem Amode, the party publicity secretary, described the violent act as “appalling”, saying that it led to the death of some persons.

“The Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is using this medium to condemn the spate of violence and attacks that trailed the Governorship/State House of Assembly Elections, which took place in the state on Saturday,” the statement reads.

“Our agents and indeed members of our party were witnesses to some of the violence and attacks in many areas of Lagos State including Apapa, Ajegunle, Okota, Isolo, Oshodi, and others areas.

“This is quite unbecoming of a state as metropolitan as Lagos, where things are expected to be done in conformity with democratic norms.

“We found it appalling that hoodlums, many of whom are said to be working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), were behind the violence at several polling units across the state, which disrupted the electoral process.”

“As a party, we believe that what took place in Lagos state yesterday was not an election, but a mockery of our democracy.

“Not only were eligible voters intimidated, but they were also harassed, and humiliated and there were reports of killings in some areas of the state.

“What happened in Lagos state yesterday was not an election, but a charade.

“It would be a surprise if at the end of the day the candidate of the APC, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is declared as the winner when people were prevented from voting in the strongholds of the opposition party, especially those of the PDP.

“Our democracy must be protected at this material time and no one should be allowed to truncate what all of us fought for and what we ought to enjoy together.”