Sets record straight on Court ruling
By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has reiterated its steadfastness and commitment to contesting and winning the upcoming local government elections scheduled for September 21, 2024 in the State.
In a statement by the State PDO spokesman, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party said: “We also like to clarify recent legal developments surrounding the elections and address some misinformation being spread by the ruling party.
“The court, in its wisdom, has lifted the restraining order initially placed on the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) and others . The court’s decision was based on the expiration of the ex parte order, which, by law, cannot extend beyond 14 days. While the substantive case challenging the processes of KWASIEC continues, the PDP fully respects the court’s ruling and will proceed with the elections in accordance with the law.
“On the matter of contempt, the court overruled the charges due to the alleged inability to serve the process directly on the KWASIEC Chairman, Alhaji Baba Okanla. Since contempt is quasi-criminal in nature, the alleged contemnor must be served in person and be present in court. The court ruled that, in this instance, the requirement for personal service was not satisfied, thereby dismissing the contempt charges on the grounds of lack of fair hearing.
“We are aware that the ruling government has made an attempt to twist this outcome to suit their propaganda and mislead the people.
“We must emphasise that the PDP is not, and has never been, interested in stopping the elections. We have stated this on multiple occasions. Our goal is not to stop the elections which we have long agitated for but we are duty bound to ensure that LG elections are conducted freely, fairly, transparently and in accordance with all laid down rules
“Now that the court has ruled, the PDP is bound by the decision, and we are ready to compete in the elections with full confidence that the people of Kwara are solidly behind us.
“That said, we are fully aware of the plans and statements from certain quarters within the ruling party regarding their intentions to manipulate the election results. We have received reports of their intentions to write results ahead of the elections and prevent election materials from reaching polling units in some areas. There are even rumors of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers set to be stuffed into boxes on the day of elections
“We want our security agencies to swing into actions and increase their vigilance around KWASIEC as elections approach . The integrity of our electoral system must not be allowed to be bastsrdised by the anti democracy elements who found themselves to public office.
“While it is clear that trust in the integrity of KWASIEC is at the momemt very low, we call on all well-meaning citizens to come out en masse and exercise their right to vote and stand firm by their votes . Let us show them that the people of Kwara are united and will not be deterred in their pursuit of justice and good governance at the local government level.”
End