INEC is Disenfranchising About 10m Igbos, Says PDP Chieftain

National Vice-Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-east zone, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) has challenged the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to show clear evidence of neutrality by ensuring effective and unrestrained distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) in PDP control states and strongholds.

Akobundu, in a statement in Enugu on Tuesday, said a situation whereby a supposedly electoral umpire displays signs of bias in the conduct of its constitutional assignment cannot be accepted by the PDP in particular, Ndigbo and indeed every right thinking Nigerian. He accused Prof. Attahiru Jega-led INEC of deliberately frustrating the distribution of PVCs in PDP strongholds.

“In the last couple of days, Prof. Jega’s lack of neutrality in the exercise of his constitutional assignment has manifested exceedingly. From the published list of states that have collected their PVCs so far, it is apparent that only the APC control states have had greater percentage of the PVCs collection.

“For instance, how can Jega and his INEC justify a situation whereby the South-east, South-south, South-west and North-central, which are relatively PDP strongholds are yet to get substantial number of PVCs when zones like North-west and north-east where some of its part is the theatre of war, both zones have so far had over 75percent collection.

“Besides, areas considered as PDP strongholds have been denied the collection of PVCs. It is worrying that in states like Lagos, which has a large population of PDP members and sympathisers, areas considered as PDP districts have been denied the receipt of their PVCs when APC dominated areas have all had their PVCs even before the postponed February 14 elections.

“Can Jega evidently explain why the South-east geopolitical zone and indeed all areas where the Igbo people inhabit across the country have not received up to 60per cent of their PVCs as against other areas and zones? Surprisingly, Jega pranced about claiming to be ready to conduct February 14 and February 28 elections.

“For now, over 10million Igbos are yet to collect their PVCs and if Jega and his INEC continue to show the present high degree of apathy and bias, this large number would be disenfranchised on March 28 and April 11.

“I therefore challenge Jega and INEC to show evidence of neutrality and live up to national and international expectations in the conduct of the 2015 elections by distributing PVCs to areas where Ndigbo are found in large numbers like South-east, Lagos and some parts of the North.

“Ndigbo have suffered enough marginalisation. We cannot afford another dangerous phase of denial; the denial of our right to vote and be voted for which Jega and his INEC are trying to foist on us.

“I will therefore use this opportunity to commend President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his maturity in handling the antics of the opposition including the various attacks on his campaign train during the PDP campaign rallies in some parts of the north. It shows the high level of tolerance of Mr. President and the PDP leadership.

“I assure you that Ndigbo will vote massively for the PDP and Mr. President in March 28 and April 11, 2015 polls”.(Thisdaylive)