By Musa Baba Adamu
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using state assets like aircraft and others to campaign for its presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections.
The Director General of SDP Campaign Council, Solomon Dalung made this know at a world press conference in Abuja
According to the former Minister of Sports, it is an abuse of power for the APC administration to support its candidate with the national resources while the same gesture is not extended to other presidential candidates.
He therefore appealed to the ruling party to allowed democracy to take its course by conducting free, fair and credible elections.
“The use of government aircraft for campaigning and for conveying the presidential candidate of the APC and his team should be extended to every political party. If the President has decided to concede his chair to the his party Presidential candidate, he.must also concede it to the candidate of the SDP, that is only when we can say there is fairness and you will expect the election to be free and fair.
“We want to appeal to the APC and the Federal government that presiding over this transition is a constitutional responsibility, it is not a privilege and it is not a right. It is part of the mandate given to APC, herefore narrowing the political space to their advantage by their actions is a bad signal for the future of our democracy and they must be warned.
Speaking on the manner at which some political parties conduct themselves during campaign, Lalong said it calls for a serious concern as it is an indication that 2023 general elections may be marred by violence if the ugly trend is allowed to linger.
“The signs of a very good Friday are seen on Wednesday. If a political parties will hold rallies and such rallies are characterized by massive violence then certainly the capacity of that political party and the government to nurture this transition is called to question”
“Political actors should run their campaign using issues base that are glaring in the faces of every Nigerian and should seek ways to improve the lives of the citizenry and ensure the security of lives.
“As you all know campaigns have commenced a few weeks ago political parties have been engaging Nigerians but from the attitude and body language of some of the major political parties it is clear that there are some radical changes and violent campaigns that show that there will be elements of violence in 2023 elections.”Dalung call on the political class to play the game according to the rule, assured Nigerians thàt SDP has what it take to turn around the fortune of our dear country, vow not to step down for any other candidate but to continue their robust campaigns is know for and go for the election proper.
