From Mohammed Ibrahim, Kaduna
Peoples Democratic Party alleged that some APC governors are planning to arm youths to harass opposition party members ahead of 2019 General Elections in Northern Nigeria.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of emergency meeting of the Northern States PDP chairmen held in Kaduna.
The party also said that already intimidation, disruption of lawful political gatherings and threats to lives of opposition party members have become order of the day under APC administrations in some states.
The communique signed by Chairman Northern States PDP Chairmen Forum Felix Hassan Hyat mentioned states like Kogi, Borno, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau among others where destruction of properties and investments belonging to perceived opponents were carried out with impunity by APC led governments in those states.
“Already, we see arrests, detentions and subsequent prosecutions of social media critics and, in some cases, making bail conditions extremely difficult.
“The arbitrary use of security and other Governmental agencies to intimidate perceived opponents and opposition. In fact, some APC governors are allegedly said to be contemplating arming youths to harass the opposition towards the 2019 general elections.
“Outright refusal to access and use of public facilities by the APC State government to the opposition, which includes but not limited to rally grounds and state Government owned Media houses,” he said
The forum further called on the APC led government to respect Democratic norms and values by ensuring that citizens are guaranteed their fundamental rights.
They further explained that despite been in office for 16 years PDP still handed over power to an opposition party.
“During the period , Ideas, opinions, views and criticism were freely allowed to strive in Nigeria.
“It was because of such that the APC was able to wrest power through lies and propaganda.
“But since assumption to power by present APC administration, democracy is now sliding into years of anomie, intimidation, oppression and violence.”
