Mike Odeh James
In a shocking revelation, the Kaduna State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Edward Marsha, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of manipulating the local government electoral law to rig the upcoming election ¹. Marsha sounded the alarm during a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists Secretariat, claiming that the APC-led government has distorted the law to favor its own interests.
The Alleged Manipulation
Marsha specifically pointed out that the section of the law requiring chairmanship and councilorship results to be announced at polling units and ward collation centers has been removed. Instead, the chairperson of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) will now have the sole authority to announce results from the headquarters or designate an area of their choice.
A Threat to Democracy
Marsha condemned this move, stating that it undermines the democratic process and denies citizens their right to choose their leaders. “If you deny people the right to choose their leaders at the local government level, you deny them everything,” he emphasized. The PDP chairman vowed to challenge this manipulation through legal channels.
Call to Action
Marsha urged stakeholders, including Kaduna State House of Assembly members, to resist this alleged manipulation and stand up for democracy. He also demanded the impeachment and removal of those involved in altering the law.
The Stakes Are High
With the local government election scheduled for October 19, the PDP chairman’s allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. Will the people of Kaduna be able to exercise their democratic rights, or will the alleged manipulation silence their voices? The nation watches with bated breath.
Dan Zaki Media 