The Taraba State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has sounded the alarm over what it described as a deliberate try to undermine transparency and equity within the preparations for the forthcoming native authorities elections.
In a press release made obtainable to journalists on Sunday in Taraba by the get together chairman, El-Sudi Ibrahim Tukura, APC leaders accused the Taraba State Unbiased Electoral Fee, TSIEC, of taking steps that might prohibit opposition participation whereas allegedly favouring the ruling Peoples Democratic Celebration, PDP.
Central to the APC’s criticism is the sharp improve within the tax clearance payment required for candidates. The get together claims that the payment, which was N100,000 in earlier elections and rose to N150,000 within the final cycle, has now been hiked to an unprecedented N1 million — a transfer they describe as arbitrary and focused.
“The imposition of N1 million as tax clearance payment is an intentional ploy to edge out credible opposition candidates. It’s a calculated try to frustrate our aspirants financially and create an uneven enjoying discipline,” he stated.
The get together additional alleged that TSIEC, underneath the management of Chairman Chief Philip Duwe, is failing in its obligation to conduct a free and honest election and warned that such practices might deepen political disenfranchisement within the state.
“We’re witnessing a harmful sample the place key electoral processes are being manipulated to favour the ruling get together. This undermines democracy and should not be allowed to face,” the assertion learn.
APC leaders additionally cautioned the Taraba State authorities in opposition to any try to impose candidates or affect the result of the elections.
They emphasised that democracy can solely thrive when residents are given the liberty to decide on their leaders, particularly on the grassroots degree.
“This isn’t simply in regards to the APC. It’s about preserving the integrity of our democratic system. If the folks lose religion within the electoral course of, all of us stand to lose,” the get together warned.
Political observers who spoke with Each day Put up famous that native authorities elections in Taraba are usually not new, as opposition events have persistently raised alarms over alleged electoral bias and lack of equity.
With the election date approaching, the APC is asking on civil society organisations, election displays, and the general public to stay vigilant and be certain that the polls are carried out transparently.
The get together additionally urged TSIEC to rethink the payment hike and take concrete steps to rebuild public confidence.
“We anticipate the electoral physique to behave within the curiosity of all Tarabans, not simply these in energy,” the APC added.
