By Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Chairman of the Independent National Electo-ral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to quickly intervene in what it described as military meddlesomeness in the election process in the South-south region and other parts of the country before it snowballs into full-blown war.
The Election Monitoring unit of the party, in a statement yesterday, alleged that the military had hijacked all electoral functions from the statutory workers and taken over collation of results and now relocated to barracks which is even inaccessible to the police.
It said after reviewing the activities of the military in the region and the blatant use of force on election officials and party agents, it was left with no other choice than to call on the INEC boss to quickly save the situation and avert a degeneration into war.
The group said the brigandage was a clear demonstration of the desperation and lack of conscience of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that if not checked, it could have far-reaching consequences.
The statement added that the ugly story in the South-south was the same in other parts of the country, particularly in Oyo and Kano States, where PDP is in comfortable lead.
It stressed: “In Rivers State, the military has been so brutal and heartless as they harass and intimidate harmless electoral officers and party agents.
“No matter what it takes, the will of the people must be restored otherwise we can bid bye to democracy and peace in this country.”
The group therefore called on the international community to note the illegal use of force with the military operatives where civil security like the police are totally edged
out.
