The Lagos Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to mount stiff resistance, sequel alleged attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC), to harass, intimidate and dampen the spirit of Lagosians hell-bent on changing the political narrative in the state come 2023 general elections through conscious participation in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.
PDP’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary Hon. Hakeem Amode made the assertion in a statement on Saturday, noting that
the party will no longer tolerate harassment and intimidation of Lagosians by the APC led administration in Lagos state.
The party in reaction to reported intimidation of Alaba Market Traders, who shut their stalls to speed up registration before the closing date, maintained that the development is one of the ruling party’s antics to prevent Lagosians from exercising their civic responsibilities.
“Lagos PDP will not put itself in the defensive as any further attempt to intimidate lagosians from registering for their PVCs will be met with strict resistance”
According to reports making the rounds some of the traders were attacked by politically motivated thugs because of their perceived sympathy for the PDP.
Issuing a stern warning to the APC sponsored thugs, Amode asked them to desist from molestation of Lagosians who are fed up with the misrule of the ruling party.
The Lagos PDP also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the #YouthVoteCountNG initiative and the Mega Musical Concert organized to stimulate youths interest in Continous Voters Registration at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Saturday 11th June,2022.
The party however, charged the Commission on the need to take proactive measures in forestalling rising incidences of glitch in the exercise, while commending youths and Alaba International Market Traders for the patriotic mien they displayed in the discharge of their civic responsibilities.
Amode also charged the commission to address the frustration and lackluster performance of some of its officials.
He urged INEC to firm-up operations at registration centres by deploying more personnel and equipment, so that all Lagosians who are willing to perform their civil obligations before the deadline set for the exercise can freely do so.