By David Lawani, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to break away from its past of imposing candidates and committing electoral fraud.
Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe made the call in a statement on Friday.
He stated that the APC which is known for progressive ideas is committed to enthoning practices that will add value to political development of the nation’s democracy by all means possible.
He said: “The new leadership of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shown early signs that it is not different from the immediate-past and sacked leadership of the same failed opposition party.
“Clearly, PDP’s sole intent is power grabbing by any means, as it ignores the need for genuine restitution.
“However, PDP cannot return to power in a free and fair election because the electorate are intelligent and wiser and know that PDP has nothing to offer Nigerians going by its sordid antecedents.
“In the meantime, we patiently await the PDP leadership to take up our challenge to return stolen public funds and assets still in possession of politically exposed persons during its 16-year administration.
“To reiterate our strong conviction, a democracy is as strong as the political parties it produces. We must break from the past and reject practices of imposition of candidates and electoral fraud which the main opposition has refused to discard.
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“As a political party and in line with the progressive ideals APC fiercely defends, our commitment to free, fair and credible elections is unwavering. In all elections, valid votes must count and the popular will of the electorate must prevail.
“APC assures all party members and indeed Nigerians that the CECPC is poised and ready to meet up with the tasks ahead in 2022, particularly the conduct of a rancour-free APC National Convention.
“The CECPC will surely bequeath a progressive party and structure that will continue to install and entrench APC governments at all levels to put Nigeria in its deserved rank in the comity of nations.
“The Party will continue to proactively and constructively engage critical stakeholders on issues that affect Nigerians.
” Finally, APC urges all to be mindful of the COVID-19 global pandemic, particularly the recent wave of the Omicron variant. We encourage citizens to take the widely available vaccines and adhere to public health protocols in order to halt the spread of the virus.”
