Niger PDP raises alarm over billboard destruction

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State has raised alarm over the defacing of billboards and posters of its candidates in parts of the state by the agents of the main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as an act of violence.

The deputy governorship candidate of the party, Ahaji Isah Liman Kantigi disclosed this at the campaign rally held at Sabon Wuse in Tafa local government area of the state.

Kantigi’s’ reaction followed accusation by the APC that the ruling party has embarked on threats to the electorate who might want to cast their votes in the forthcoming general elections.

“It is very unfortunate that the opposition party members could be going around defacing billboards of the PDP candidates in the next month’s’ elections. And that alone is an act of violence” said Kantigi.

He however described the alleged decision of the APC in the state as a defeatist approach, saying it is an attempt to cover their defeat, “whereas wherever we go to canvass support of the electorate in the state, we always talk to them about our programmes and what we have been able to do for the people”.

Against the backdrop of the allegation that the PDP had embarked on a campaign of violence against the APC he said, “We have no reason to flout the peace agreement signed by Mr. President and Presidential candidates of other parties recently, we have not been attacked physically hence we don’t embark on campaign of violence because we have not been touched anywhere”.

“We have toured Zone B and the reception so far has been very encouraging and our strength is now laying on the support of the good people of Zone B in Niger East Senatorial District of the state because they are very organized”.

“I am shocked about the allegations of APC against us, we have not threatened anybody, rather it was them that did that at Kontagora last Monday when we flagged off our governorship campaign in the town.

“In the past Zone A, Niger South Senatorial district had been getting the highest results for our party during elections but now I am very jealous that we are likely going to get more support from Zone B in the next month’s general polls” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Nasko has pleaded with his teaming supporters not to retaliate against anybody if they were attacked by members of the opposition parties in the state adding that there is nothing prayers and peace cannot do.

“My boss, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu’s’ prayers is that I should surpass his achievements in office but my own prayer is that if I cannot surpass his achievements, I should not Perform less than him” Nasco stated.

He enumerated some of the achievements of the present administration in the state at Tafa local government as the provision of General hospital, construction of 10 Km road, community development projects and free education among others.