IPAC, BASIEC Conspiring to help Bauchi Govt rig LG elections – ZLP raises alarm

Hours to the scheduled 17th August, 2024 Local government elections in Bauchi, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has alleged that some members of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) are conspiring with the Bauchi state Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) and the state government to manipulate the system.

The Bauchi state Chapter of the ZLP which made this known in a press statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Abdullah Mainagge Friday, said part of the conspiracy is also to block any possible chance of seeking Legal Redress by the opposition political parties after manipulating the election.

“The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Bauchi State has uncovered a sinister plot by some Bad elements of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Bauchi State Government, and the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) to manipulate the upcoming Local Government election scheduled for Tomorrow 17th day of August, 2024 and deny us legal redress”, part of the statement reads.

ZLP while describing the move as a clear violation of political ethics and a mockery of the democratic process, regretted that BSIEC has denied them access to their election guidelines despite several efforts to obtain them through the Freedom of Information Act.

“This is a deliberate attempt to prevent us from seeking legal redress and challenging the election’s outcome”, the ZLP observed.

It said, “in a shocking development, we have just received information that confirms our worst fears”.

“As we write this press release, sensitive election materials are being distributed across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state without our knowledge or involvement”, the ZLP party disclosed.

According to the party, the action is a clear indication of political harassment and a brazen attempt to disenfranchise the ZLP.

The press statement which condemned in its strongest term the conspiracy, vowed never to stand idly by while the country’s democratic rights are trampled upon.

“We demand justice, transparency, and a free and fair election. We will explore all legal avenues to ensure that our rights are protected and the election’s outcome is credible”, the ZLP concluded.