The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as laughable and diversionary, the recent statement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) where it called on the ruling party to focus on issues-based campaigns in an attempt to launder APC’s poor image.

The PDP noted that while it has been showcasing its numerous achievements in all the sectors of national life, the APC had on the other hand dwelt on propaganda, political mudslinging and empty promises to the people.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday, said: “It is rather hypocritical for the APC whose campaigns and press statements have centred only on insults, blackmail and attempts to caricature office holders, especially President Goodluck Jonathan, to now turn round to accuse others of despicable conduct for which it has become notorious.

“It is indeed public knowledge that the PDP campaigns, press releases and utterances of our officials have always focused on issues that promote the development, unity and prosperity of our dear nation. This cannot be said of the APC which dwells on abuses, promoting of violence and posting of lies, ostensibly due to its lack of manifesto.”

The PDP pointed out that in keeping with its ideology and strict adherence to democratic tenets and good conduct; it has based its campaigns on record of verifiable achievements and roadmap for a more prosperous future in line with the visions of its founding fathers.

“For instance, in the last four weeks, our press statements and rallies  have focused on profiling the performance of our administration, showcasing to Nigerians with facts and figures, the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan in key sectors of the economy, including education where we have ensured greater access to quality learning through special interventions such as the Back To School programme, the Almajiri system of education, establishment of new universities and a  host of other programmes; in transport, where we have revived the  railways and the inland waterways as well as the massive investment in  road infrastructure and power.”

In a related development, the PDP has disclosed that the APC was in possession of tapes of terrorist attacks on innocent Nigerians, which it intends to air to achieve its selfish purpose.

The party challenged the opposition party to explain to Nigerians how it got hold of them.

“We ask, is the APC working in collaboration with terrorist cells, who have been unleashing violence against innocent citizens of our dear nation?

“Are these the same terrorist groups that earlier nominated the APC presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari to represent them in the dialogue between them and the federal government?

“Nigerians should be worried over the connections the APC might have with insurgent groups especially coming on the heels of recent support expressed to their presidential candidate by the Movement for the Emancipation of The Niger Delta (MEND).

“We wish to clarify that this is not an attack on the APC as a party but rather a serious issue that borders on national security.

“We therefore call on all Nigerians and lovers of democracy to note this as the APC embarks on a campaign to attempt to gain directly from the security challenges facing our nation.