2023 Election: PDP And APC Clash Over Voter Fraud

The People Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress in Lagos state clashed on Monday over allegations of voter fraud.

The war of words began when the PDP organized a press conference in Lagos to accuse the APC of voter fraud geared towards swaying the results of the state’s general elections in 2023 to the party’s favor.

In the press conference led by PDP state publicity secretary and chairman of media and publicity for the JandorFunke 2023 Campaign, Hakeem Amode, the PDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police to investigate the alleged voter fraud.

The publicity secretary said, “We are aware of the ruling APC government officials using their position to collect voters’ information and requesting the submission of photocopies of Permanent Voter Cards as a prerequisite for work permits in transport parks and trading in the markets.

“We view these directives and actions as hoodwinking and an attempt by the ruling APC government to manipulate the 2023 election ahead.

“The Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State is hereby calling the attention of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Inspector General of Police, and all well-meaning Nigerians to the electoral fraud being committed before the conduct of the 2023 election by the ruling APC government in Lagos State.”

While reacting to the PDP’s allegation, the APC’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo said voters were weary of the PDP’s antics since their specialty was making unfounded accusations to mislead the gullible audience.

The spokesman urged the PDP to approach the law enforcement agency if the party suspects illegalities instead of engaging in a “fruitless media onslaught”.

“The APC in Lagos State has been busy campaigning to all and sundry in the state”, he said. “Our robust campaign has ensured that APC remains the only visible party in the state as far as awareness for the forthcoming elections is concerned.

“The PDP could approach the relevant law enforcement agencies whenever they feel their rights are being trampled upon rather than embark on fruitless media onslaught for cheap political gain.

“They are also advised to look inward and address their intractable crisis which has polarised the party beyond repair. It’s also imperative to operate within the laws of the state as regards the placement of outdoor advertisements rather than resort to arm-twisting tactics.”