LG Elections: SDP accuses BASIEC of plan to help Bauchi Govt impose Stooges as Chairmen
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has accused the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) of perfecting plans to help the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led government rig the forthcoming Local Government Elections by imposing stooges from the party as Chairmen and councilors.
The secretary of the party, Comrade Nasiru Dan-Bauchi who addressed a press conference on behalf of the Chairman, Alhaji Hamisu Shira at the NUJ Secretariat Bauchi on Friday alleged deliberate attempt by BASIEC to shut the opposition out of the election.
According to Comrade Dan-Bauchi, part of the plans is the refusal of the BASIEC to make available, the election guidelines to the party as enshrined in the electoral law.
In the speech, titled “Local Government Council Elections in Bauchi: Elections or Charade”? The SDP said they have been following with keen interest, the move by the State Government to conduct Local government council election, following the Supreme Court’s verdict that granted autonomy to Local Government Councils in Nigeria.
Comrade Nasiru emphasized that the LG elections scheduled for 17th August 2024 in Bauchi will be more of a charade, than an election.
He added that in all intent, and purpose, the BASIEC which is saddled with the statutory responsibility of conducting the election will execute the bidding of the Bauchi State government to conduct a kangaroo and a discredited election.
Comrade Dan-Bauchi averred that BASIEC is alienating or luring perceived strong opposition political parties, in order to legitimize the process and government’s plan to impose preferred stooges as chairmen and councilors for the Local Government Councils.
The SDP further said it is obvious that the plan is put together; in order to create a scenario where the government will use puppets they imposed to further deepen their heinous plunder of Local Government funds despite the Supreme Court’s verdict.
While describing the move as unconditional, evil and an invitation too to lawlessness and impunity, Comrade Dan-Bauchi, urged all and sundry to resist the move.
He said that the party is privy to information that from day one, BASIEC has sealed plans to alienate some political parties from participating in the electoral process and has already perfected same.
The SDP further demanded that BASIEC halt, forthwith the process of the election and restart to give room for justice, fairness, equity and level playing-ground, for all patties willing to participate in the elections.
It further demanded that all nomination forms be sold at a fee not exceeding N100, 000 only.