You Are Afraid of Your Shadow, Oyo PDP Knocks APC Over Election Boycott Threat – Says APC Never Believes in LG
You Are Afraid of Your Shadow, Oyo PDP Knocks APC Over Election Boycott Threat – Says APC Never Believes in LG
The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to boycott the forthcoming local government election as a clear indication of fear, political weakness and lack of confidence in its acceptance among the people.
Reacting to the position of the APC on the local government election scheduled by the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), the party stated that democracy thrives on participation and healthy competition, not threats, excuses and attempts to discredit constitutional processes.
The party noted that it was ironic that a political party seeking to govern would openly declare its unwillingness to participate in an election while simultaneously claiming to enjoy widespread support among the electorate.
The PDP admonished the All Progressives Congress to use the local government election to test its popularity at the polls instead of resorting to excuses and baseless claims.
If the APC indeed believes it enjoys the support of the Oyo State people, it should participate in this election and stop postponing its sad days.
The statement wondered why the APC which speaks passionately about local government autonomy decides to boycott the local government election. The PDP noted that the APC has never believed in the local government as it took the party seven years to conduct local government elections, an election Governor Seyi Makinde will be conducting three times in his tenure.
According to the PDP, elections remain the most legitimate means of testing popularity and measuring public confidence, adding that any party genuinely convinced of its strength should be eager to face the people rather than resort to allegations and boycott threats.
The party further maintained that the conduct of local government elections falls within the constitutional responsibilities of the relevant electoral body and should not be subjected to unnecessary political blackmail or partisan intimidation.
The PDP also faulted claims that the election was designed to serve personal interests, insisting that Governor Engr Seyi Makinde’s administration has consistently demonstrated commitment to democratic governance, institutional development and the strengthening of grassroots administration across Oyo State.
The party stated that while opposition parties have every right to express concerns, such concerns must be pursued within democratic and legal frameworks rather than through sensational accusations aimed at misleading the public.
The PDP argued that the APC’s latest position appears to be a pre-emptive attempt to explain away an anticipated electoral defeat, noting that the opposition party has increasingly struggled to connect with the people despite its repeated attacks on the administration.
The ruling party expressed confidence that the people of Oyo State would continue to support initiatives that promote democratic participation and grassroots development, stressing that no amount of political propaganda can substitute for credible engagement with the electorate.
Reaffirming its readiness for the forthcoming election, the PDP urged all stakeholders to support peaceful, transparent and credible electoral processes while allowing the people to freely determine their political future.
The party concluded that democracy is ultimately about the will of the people and not the fears of political actors who have lost touch with the electorate.