ASABA/Nigeria: In a heated response to recent accusations, the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed claims made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has recruited and trained PDP members as ad hoc staff for the upcoming local government elections on July 13th. The PDP has labeled these allegations as “emotional instability” and attributed them to the APC’s internal turmoil and lack of preparedness.

The PDP’s State Secretary, Engr. Dan Ossai, in a press statement, ridiculed the APC’s claims as a “usual smokescreen” used by a party unable to organize a proper campaign. He accused the APC of resorting to baseless accusations against DSIEC, stating, “This of course is the usual smokescreen employed by a political party that simply doesn’t have the wherewithal to organize a proper campaign.”

Engr. Ossai criticized the media outlet that published the report, accusing it of being compromised and unethically opinionated. He highlighted that the report failed to provide any concrete evidence to back the APC’s claims, describing it as “worthless” and “a tale by moonlight.” Ossai challenged both the APC and the media to provide incontrovertible proof of the allegations.

The PDP’s statement comes amid rising tensions as the local government polls approach. Engr. Ossai emphasized that the APC is a party in disarray, lacking clear leadership and direction. He quoted Chinua Achebe, saying, “Turning and turning in the widening gyre, the falcon cannot hear the falconer, things have fallen apart and the center can no longer hold, with mere anarchy loosed upon Delta APC.”

The PDP pointed out that the DSIEC has conducted previous elections without such allegations and questioned why similar claims would emerge now. Ossai reiterated that previous accusations by the APC were proven false and dismissed, suggesting that this latest claim follows the same pattern.

The PDP also criticized the APC for failing to engage with PDP officials for a balanced report, highlighting that the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Barr. Valentine Onojehuo, admitted the party was unaware of DSIEC’s training activities for ad hoc staff. This, according to the PDP, underscores the APC’s disorganization and lack of preparation for the elections.

It asserted its strong presence and ongoing campaign efforts across Delta State’s 25 local government areas. “PDP is on the ground in Delta State and will not be distracted by APC’s hysteria. It is the people’s party,” Ossai stated, reaffirming the party’s commitment to cooperating with DSIEC to ensure credible elections.

“There’s no amount of silly pranks by the unmanageable and traumatized APC that will work to frustrate the council elections.” It stated.

As the election date approaches, the PDP remains confident in its position and the integrity of the electoral process in Delta State.