Siloko Siasia, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in the ongoing Bayelsa state governorship election, is embittered by cases of “irregularities and financial inducement” and wants the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify all involved parties and candidates involved.
In a press statement signed by Michael Abimboye, his media aide, Siasia alleged that there were cases of thumb-printing of ballot papers in some areas of the state.
“No election took place in Bayelsa state. It was political bazaar, [for] the highest bidder,” he said.
“INEC should immediately look into this and disqualify political parties involved in the financial inducement, violence, electoral irregularities, and Illegal thumb-printing of ballot papers.”
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He added that thumb-printing of ballot papers contravenes the Electoral Act and should be checked immediately by the security agencies.
“I am also using this opportunity to call on the security agencies to do something about it immediately. I don’t believe that with the level of commitment we got from the INEC chairman, this kind of irregularities should still take place.
“I saw some government officials with large number of PVCs on election day. What were they doing with such large number of PVCs? For government officials to have large numbers of PVCs, then the election cannot stand.
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“Security agencies should do their own investigation and bring such persons to book because I believe they contravene the Electoral Act. We must ensure that such kinds of people are taught the lessons of their lives.”
Siasia’s claims are not so distant from those of Seriake Dickson, governor of the state, who has urged INEC to postpone the rescheduled election in Southern Ijaw local government.
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