The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has observed unpreparedness on the part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Mr. Magnus Abe, following his expressed fears of losing in the contest. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed July 30, 2016, for the conduct of the Rivers State national and state assemblies re-run elections.

“The PDP chairman in Rivers State, Bro Felix Obuah, referring to a statement credited to Mr. Abe, dated July 3, 2016, in which he declared that he does not believe there would be an election in the state, criticized such position and indeed body language of the aspiring Senator, wondering why he (Abe) would think that he can dictate to the Commission what to do and who should conduct the election,” the PDP said in a statement issued by Jerry Needam, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the party’s chairman in the state.

Abe was said to have stated that the present INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Rivers State, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, would not be fair, a position the PDP says, raises some questions on his intention and expectation. The party recalls that Abe, during the previous exercise on March 19, was comfortable with the same INEC official.

“The Rivers PDP chairman, clearly sees Mr. Abe’s latest call for the change of INEC State REC as a clear demonstration of his fears of losing at the election, and would want to do everything possible, including blackmailing the system, to enhance his chances of at least securing some votes, as it is obvious that the people of that senatorial district have made their decision on who to vote for, favouring the PDP and its candidate, Senator Olaka Nwogu.

“For us, Mr. Abe’s position on whether he would contest or not is not an issue, but it would be wrong if one drowning man is allowed to dictate and hand-twist a supposedly independent umpire like the INEC. A wrong precedence should therefore, not be set, and that’s the reason we remain resolute that only the right and proper thing be done.

“Again, it is also instructive that following Mr. Abe’s apprehension, the APC could urgently explore any available means in substituting him with a more courageous candidate and someone that is ready to contest in the elections.

The PDP explained that its argument was based on the already stated fact by Mr. Abe in his statement that the decision to participate in the election is entirely that of the party, not the individual.

Abe was quoted as having said that, “I do not however, mean to pull out of the elections except directed by the party…. It is the party that contests election. So, that is something for the party to decide.”

The PDP called on INEC, and other relevant government agencies not to be swayed by Mr. Abe’s seeming threat, but to ensure the election is conducted freely, fairly and peacefully.

“As a party, we are following up events and would continue to be responsible in our electioneering activities, but would resist to be cowed by any action considered undemocratic and illegal.”

•Photo shows Bro Obuah.