According to the report from the Vanguard, The Delta State Government has dismissed allegations of rigging in last Saturday’s local government elections as false and laughable, stating that opposition parties were simply unprepared for the polls.
Speaking to the press in Asaba, Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, reiterated that opposition parties were not serious about the elections and described their calls for cancellation as preposterous and ridiculous.
Ahon emphasized that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued its winning streak in the state due to its laudable programs and projects since 1999. He pointed out that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party did not field candidates nor campaign effectively, leaving the PDP as the only party that actively campaigned across all units and wards in the state.
“Let me thank Deltans for coming out en masse to vote for the PDP, and I also thank God for the peaceful conduct of the local government elections throughout Delta State,” Ahon said. “Having said that, I want to challenge the Labour Party to tell Deltans and Nigerians how many candidates they fielded in the local government election, chairmanship, and councilorship candidates, and where they campaigned.”
He continued, “You don’t expect people to come and vote for you just because you are in the Labour Party or because an election is happening. You have to reach out to the people, tell them what you want to do, and explain why they should vote for your party and candidates. You can’t stay at home and expect people to vote for you.”
Ahon assured that the government remains focused and will not be distracted by opposition parties. He criticized those alleging rigging, noting, “Here is a man who couldn’t even win in his community in the last governorship election, now claiming the PDP rigged the local government elections when we canvassed for votes throughout the 25 local governments, wards, and units.”
He highlighted the extensive campaigning by the PDP and the trust Deltans have in the party due to the state government’s performance since 1999. “Governor Oborevwori has done so well to gain the trust of the people, leading to the total victory of the party in the just-concluded local government elections,” Ahon said.