The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, has raised alarm over alleged security threats ahead of Saturday’s rerun elections scheduled to take place in part of Abi-Yakurr Federal Constituency of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.
In a statement signed by the Secretary of the State Chapter of the IPAC, Castro Ezama, and made available to reporters, the group expressed concern over the growing tension arising from preparations for the Ekureku 1 and 2 election rerun for the Abi-Yakurr Federal Constituency.
The election is between former Speaker, John Gaul Lebo, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Dr. Alex Egbona of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
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Ezama said, “Our deep worries stem from the curious observation that the two contestants involved are alleged to have amassed an army of miscreants and weaponry after engaging hordes of private security personnel for the purpose of conducting surveillance and possibly unleashing of terror on perceived opponents where deemed fit.
“We rise in unison to strongly condemn such moves, as they are in steep violation of our laws, for the fact that our Constitution rests the burden of securing lives and property on state agents like Police, DSS, NSCDC, and other state actors.
“We are aware that some of the candidates have mobilised police security from Abuja and other climes for their protection. Let it be known that mobilization of security can only be deployed by the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State.
“May we warn that the Political Parties Code of Conduct of the IPAC which is binding to all candidates irrespective of political divide would be implemented to the later by the IPAC.
“Free and fair elections, one man-one-vote would be sacrosanct and non-negotiable, we shall not hesitate to call for a cancellation of the said elections and call in the security agencies to deal with anybody involved no matter how highly placed according to the political parties Code of Conduct 2019 as amended,” the statement added.
